Oxybutynin
Also known as: Ditropan, Ditropan XL, Oxytrol, Gelnique, Lyrinel
Oxybutynin is used to help relax the bladder and reduce urinary leaking or spasms. > **Important Notes for Pet Owners:** * **Give exactly as prescribed.** Do not change the dose without consulting your veterinarian. * **Watch for side effects:** Because this drug dries up bodily secretions, your pet may experience a dry mouth (lip smacking, increased drinking) or dry eyes. * **Monitor bathroom habits:** Contact your veterinarian if your pet develops constipation or seems to be straining to urinate without producing urine (urinary retention). * Store the medication at room temperature and keep liquid forms protected from light.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
Veterinary professional? See the full dosing-by-species reference on VetSheet →
What it is used for
- To decrease bladder contractility (detrusor hyperreflexia)
- To decrease bladder contractility (detrusor hyperreflexia)
- Detrusor hyperreflexia
- To decrease bladder contractility (detrusor hyperreflexia)
- To decrease bladder contractility (detrusor hyperreflexia)
- To decrease bladder contractility (detrusor hyperreflexia)
- Detrusor hyperreflexia (refractory incontinence)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Urinary retention
- Hypersalivation
- Sedation
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
- Tachycardia
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Mydriasis (pupil dilation)
- Diarrhoea
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Skin reactions
- Palpitations
- Confusion
Cautions & contraindications
- Obstructive GI tract disease
- Intestinal atony or paralytic ileus
- Angle closure glaucoma
- Hiatal hernia
- Cardiac disease (especially mitral stenosis, arrhythmias, tachycardia, CHF)
- Myasthenia gravis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Prostatic hypertrophy
- Severe ulcerative colitis
- Urinary retention or other obstructive uropathies
- Obstructive GI disease
- Ileus
- Gastrooesophageal reflux
- Glaucoma
- Cardiac disease
- Obstructive urinary disease
- Use only when benefits outweigh risks in patients with GI obstruction, ileus, glaucoma, cardiac disease, myasthenia gravis, hyperthyroidism, prostatic hypertrophy, or urinary retention. Safety during pregnancy is not firmly established (FDA Category B); animal studies show no teratogenic effects. May inhibit lactation, though no documented problems in nursing offspring have been noted.
Drug interactions
- Anticholinergic agents (e.g., atropine, propantheline, tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines): May intensify oxybutynin's anticholinergic adverse effects.
- Azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole): May inhibit metabolism and increase oxybutynin systemic levels.
- CNS depressants: May exacerbate the sedating effects of oxybutynin.
- Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin): May inhibit metabolism and increase oxybutynin systemic levels.
- Anticholinergic agents: Additive anticholinergic side effects (e.g., severe constipation, urinary retention, tachycardia)
- Azole antifungals: Potential CYP inhibition leading to increased oxybutynin plasma concentrations
- Macrolide antibiotics: Potential CYP inhibition leading to increased oxybutynin plasma concentrations
Frequently asked questions
What is Oxybutynin used for in pets?
Oxybutynin is used to help relax the bladder and reduce urinary leaking or spasms. > Important Notes for Pet Owners: • Give exactly as prescribed. Do not change the dose without consulting your veterinarian. • Watch for side effects: Because this drug dries up bodily secretions, your pet may experience a dry mouth (lip smacking, increased drinking) or dry eyes. • Monitor bathroom habits: Contact your veterinarian if your pet develops constipation or seems to be straining to urinate without producing urine (urinary retention). • Store the medication at room temperature and keep liquid forms protected from light.
Is Oxybutynin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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