Anticholinergic Side Effects and Treatment Discontinuation of Oxybutynin

Mechanistic Basis

• Oxybutynin’s antimuscarinic activity is not sufficiently selective for bladder M3 receptors, leading to inhibition of muscarinic receptors in other organ systems and resulting in common anticholinergic adverse effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. 1

Clinical Impact

• In patients receiving oxybutynin for overactive bladder, up to 25 % discontinue therapy because of these anticholinergic side effects. 1