Oxybutynin
Oxybutynin, sold as Ditropan, is a bladder-relaxing medicine for Overactive Bladder and Urinary Incontinence. This shelf carries one product: Ditropan tablets in 2.5 mg and 5 mg strengths.
Key points
- Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic medicine that blocks the chemical signals telling the bladder muscle to contract.
- Ditropan is the brand-name version of oxybutynin, and the medicine has been approved for use from age five.
- Do not take oxybutynin with urinary retention, bladder obstruction, or poorly controlled narrow-angle glaucoma, and older adults should not usually take the tablets because safer alternatives exist for the same condition.
How does Oxybutynin work?
Oxybutynin blocks acetylcholine, the chemical messenger that tells the bladder’s smooth muscle to squeeze. With that signal interrupted, the muscle relaxes, the bladder holds more urine, and the sudden urge to go eases. It controls symptoms rather than resolving the underlying condition; improvement may appear within two weeks, but full benefit can take six to eight. This medicine sits in the Bladder Health category alongside other options for frequency and urgency.
Further reading
What is oxybutynin used for?
Oxybutynin is used for overactive bladder and urinary incontinence. It is a bladder-relaxing medicine that helps control symptoms such as frequency and urgency.
How long does oxybutynin take to work?
Oxybutynin starts working within 30 to 60 minutes. Improvement may appear within two weeks, but full benefit can take six to eight weeks.
What are the side effects of oxybutynin?
Common side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, and dry eyes. You may also get constipation, headache, or sleepiness. A rare but serious side effect is severe heat stroke, which needs immediate medical attention. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.
Can I drink alcohol with oxybutynin?
Oxybutynin is known to interact with alcohol. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Who should not take oxybutynin?
Do not take oxybutynin if you have urinary retention, bladder obstruction, gastric retention, or poorly controlled narrow-angle glaucoma. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
What oxybutynin products are available?
On Direct Meds, oxybutynin comes as Ditropan. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
How much does oxybutynin cost in South Africa?
Compare the rand prices for each product, strength and pack above. Prices are converted from US dollars. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Can I buy oxybutynin over the counter in South Africa?
Yes, online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order oxybutynin. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I buy oxybutynin online in South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →