Oxybutynin is a prescription drug that’s taken to treat overactive bladder, and it also has other uses. Whether you take it at night depends on which form your doctor prescribes, your dosage, possible side effects, and other factors.
Oxybutynin is a generic medication prescribed to treat symptoms of overactive bladder in adults. It’s also used for detrusor overactivity, which can cause urination problems in certain children. It comes as an oral tablet, oral syrup, and extended-release (ER) oral tablet.
The timing of when to take oxybutynin can vary depending on age, the form you’re prescribed, and your specific symptoms. Keep reading to learn about when oxybutynin should be taken.
When you take oxybutynin will depend on the form you’re prescribed. The following table describes the different forms of the drug and when it’s typically taken. However, be sure to take oxybutynin according to your doctor’s instructions. They will prescribe the right dosage for you.
| Oxybutynin form | Dose | When to take | Maximum times per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| oral tablet | adults and children ages 5 years and older: 5 milligrams (mg) | adults: 2 to 3 times per day children: 2 times per day | adults: 4 times per day children: 3 times per day |
| oral syrup | adults and children ages 5 years and older: one teaspoon of 5 mg per 5 milliliters (5 mg/5 mL) | adults: 2 to 3 times per day children: 2 times per day | adults: 4 times per day children: 3 times per day |
| ER oral tablet | adults: 5 or 10 mg children ages 6 years and older: 5 mg | once per day at around the same time each day | adults: 30 mg once per day children: 20 mg once per day |
The maximum dose of oxybutynin per day depends on:
- the form of the drug you’re taking
- your age
- whether your symptoms are being managed
Also, if you’re an older adult (ages 65 years or older), your dosage may be different from what is shown in the table earlier.
For more information about your dose and when to take oxybutynin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Oxybutynin oral tablet and oral syrup are immediate-release forms of the drug. This means the active ingredient is quickly released once you take a dose. So they may relieve your symptoms quickly, possibly within an hour.
Oxybutynin ER oral tablet releases the active ingredient more slowly over time, so your symptoms may not be relieved as quickly when you first take it. However, if you take the ER tablet consistently around the same time each day, enough drug will be in your system to ease your symptoms over time.
Whether you take oxybutynin in the morning or at night depends on which form you’re prescribed. If you’re taking the ER oral tablet form, you can take it at the same time each day, including at night.
If you’re taking the oral tablet or oral syrup, you can space out your doses throughout the day. For example, if your doctor prescribes 5 mg two times per day, you can take 5 mg in the morning and 5 mg at night. This can help you manage your symptoms throughout the day and at night.
If you have questions about taking your oxybutynin at night, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does oxybutynin cause certain side effects at night?
Yes, it’s possible for oxybutynin to cause certain side effects that may affect your sleep. These include drowsiness, a common side effect, and insomnia. The drug can also cause hallucinations, agitation, and confusion, which may affect your sleep. Taking certain other medications or consuming alcohol may worsen these side effects.
If you have concerns about the side effects of oxybutynin, talk with your doctor. They can help determine if you should continue taking the medication.
When to take oxybutynin, especially at night, depends on several factors, including your age, the drug’s form, possible side effects, and your symptoms. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your specific dosage. They can help you find the best time to take the drug to make sure it’s safe and effective for you.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.