Information for patients
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Oxybutynin is a medicine used to treat symptoms of an overactive bladder. This can include; a sudden or urgent need to wee, (urinary urgency). Needing to wee more often, (urinary frequency) and bedwetting, (Primary Nocturnal Enuresis).
What is Oxybutynin Hydrochloride?
Oxybutynin Hydrochloride is also known as Ditropan, Cystrin and Lyrinel XL. Oxybutynin is available in tablet form. Oxybutynin works by relaxing the bladder muscles.
Oxybutynin tends to work more effectively in children with:
- bladder hyperactivity/instability
- low functioning bladder capacity
Oxybutynin should be used together with bladder re-training.
Dosage
Oxybutynin should only be used in children aged 5 years and over.
The dosage is:
- 2.5mg to 3mg twice a day. The last dose should be given before bed
If there is no response, the dose may be increased to:
- 5mg two to three times a day. The last dose should be given before bed
Modified release Oxybutynin (Lyrinel XL 5mg and 10mg tablets) dosage is:
- 5mg once daily increased by 5mg adjusted according to your child’s response every week until a maximum dose of 15mg is given.
Advice
Children should be reviewed regularly while they are taking Oxybutynin. Oxybutynin may take up to 4 weeks to reach its full effect.
It is important to make sure that your child brushes their teeth very regularly. Oxybutynin reduces the saliva produced and tends to make the mouth dry. As saliva is necessary to protect teeth from decay, it is a good idea to pay extra attention to them.
Always read the patient information leaflet included with the medication.
Reference
Joint Formulary Committee (2019) BNF 78: September 2019-March 2020. London: Pharmaceutical Press.
Contact numbers
Children’s Services Hub
Children’s Continence Team
Telephone: 01429 522417
Opening hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Monday to Friday)
Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints
Patient Experience Team (PET)
We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:
Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]
Out of hours
Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617
Data protection and use of patient information
The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.
Telephone: 01642 383551
Email: [email protected]
Privacy NoticesLeaflet feedback
This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:
Email: [email protected]
Leaflet reference: PIL1310
Date for review: 28 November 2025