Oxybutynin is associated with anticholinergic central nervous system (CNS) effects (see section 4.8). Anticholinergic CNS effects (e g , hallucinations, agitation, confusion, somnolence) have been reported; monitoring recommended especially in first few months after initiating therapy or increasing the dose; consider discontinuing therapy or reducing the dose if anticholinergic CNS effects develop.
Angioedema of the face, lips, tongue and/or larynx has been reported with oxybutynin. In some cases, angioedema occurred after the first dose. Angioedema associated with upper airway swelling has the potential to become life-threatening. If involvement of tongue, hypopharynx, or larynx occurs, oxybutynin should be promptly discontinued and appropriate therapy and/or measures necessary to ensure a patent airway should be promptly provided.
Oxybutynin should be given with caution in patients with the following conditions:
- hepatic or renal impairment
- clinically significant bladder outflow obstruction since anticholinergic drugs may aggravate bladder outflow and cause retention (see section 4.3)
- autonomic neuropathy
- Parkinson's disease
- gastrointestinal disorders: Anticholinergic medicinal products may decrease gastrointestinal motility and should be used with caution in patients with gastrointestinal obstructive disorders, intestinal atony and ulcerative colitis (see section 4.3)
- anticholinergic medicinal products should be used with caution in patients who have hiatal hernia/gastro-oesophageal reflux and/or who are concurrently taking medicinal products (such as bisphosphonates) that can cause or exacerbate oesophagitis.
- pre-existing dementia treated with cholinesterase inhibitors due to risk of aggravation of symptoms.
Oxybutynin should be used with caution in the frail elderly who may be more sensitive to the effects of oxybutynin. Anticholinergics should be used with caution in elderly patients due to the risk of cognitive impairment.
If urinary tract infection is present, an appropriate antibacterial therapy should be started.
Oxybutynin may aggravate tachycardia (and thus the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, coronary heart disease, hypertension), cognitive disorders and symptoms of prostatic hypertrophy.
When oxybutynin is used in patients with fever or in high environmental temperatures, this can cause heat prostration, or heat stroke, due to decreased sweating.
Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.
Oxybutynin may reduce salivary secretions, which could result in dental caries, parodontotsis, or oral candidiasis.
As oxybutynin can cause angle-closure glaucoma, visual acuity and intraocular pressure should be monitored periodically during therapy. Patients should be advised to contact a physician immediately if they are aware of a sudden loss of visual acuity or ocular pain.
Paediatric population
Oxybutynin hydrochloride is not recommended for use in children below age 5 years due to insufficient data on safety and efficacy.
There is limited evidence supporting the use of Oxybutynin in children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (not related to detrusor overactivity).
In children over 5 years of age, Oxybutynin hydrochloride should be used with caution as they may be more sensitive to the effects of the product, particularly the CNS and psychiatric adverse reactions.