Oxybutynin For Excessive Sweating
Oxybutynin is used by people who have problems controlling urination (passing water). However, it can also be used by people who suffer from hyperhidrosis (excess sweating). The Online Clinic will only prescribe this medication for hyperhidrosis. Do not attempt to obtain the medication for another purpose via this service: The dosage is different for urinary problems.
Can I buy Oxybutynin online?
The Online Clinic can prescribe Oxybutynin for hyperhidrosis only. Please note the dosages are different for other conditions and it would be better for you to see your GP for urinary problems. For hyperhidrosis, please click on the free consultation button and we will ask you a few online questions and a doctor will check your answers before prescribing.
What is oxybutynin?
The active component in oxybutynin tablets is oxybutynin hydrochloride. It is categorised as both an anticholinergic and antispasmodic medicine.
Anticholinergics block the action of the chemical acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is released by nerve endings that supply muscles and glands. The muscles are those that work involuntarily controlling the internal body organs, while secretory glands such as sweat glands are found throughout the body. Both ensure the normal functioning of the body. Acetylcholine attaches to specific acetylcholine receptors on muscle cells and glands thereby stimulating muscle cell activity and the secretion of glands. Anticholinergic drugs prevent acetylcholine from attaching to its receptors, inhibiting muscle and gland stimulation. Similarly, antispasmodics are anticholinergics, impeding the action of acetylcholine and preventing muscle and gland stimulation.
Oxybutynin works by blocking the action of acetylcholine. Oxybutynin inhibits gland stimulation including the sweat glands, resulting in a reduction in secretions such as in sweat production. Additionally, by relaxing the bladder muscles, it prevents abrupt muscle contractions or spasms, helping you to control the release of urine from your bladder.
How to use oxybutynin
Oxybutynin is available as a tablet, which can release the drug at a standard rate or over a prolonged period (slow release). Standard oxybutynin tablets are available in strengths of 2.5 mg, 3 mg, and 5 mg. Slow-release oxybutynin tablets contain 5 mg. All oxybutynin tablets are swallowed with a glass of water, with or without food. Slow-release oxybutynin tablets must be swallowed whole, not chewed, broken or crushed. Your doctor will prescribe the dose most appropriate for your symptoms and can change the dose according to your needs. Your doctor will tell you when to stop taking oxybutynin.
You must seek medical attention immediately if you take too many tablets, as this can cause side effects leading to unconsciousness. Take your forgotten tablet(s) as soon as you realise, unless you are due to take your next dose soon. In this case, skip the forgotten dose and take the scheduled next dose (never take two doses to account for a missed dose).
Who can use oxybutynin?
Oxybutynin can be used by adults, older people, and children aged 5 years or older. Speak to your doctor about your plans for having a baby or breastfeeding, or if you are or may be pregnant. Oxybutynin is not recommended during breastfeeding.
This medicine is not to be taken by individuals who are allergic to oxybutynin hydrochloride or the tablet's other ingredients (e.g., lactose), or have glaucoma, the muscle condition myasthenia gravis, a blocked, perforated or dysfunctional gut, ulcerative colitis, or problems passing water.
Before taking this medicine, your doctor must be told if you are 65 years or older or it is for a child; or you have liver or kidney problems, the nerve condition autonomic neuropathy, an overactive thyroid gland, heart disease, high blood pressure, irregular or increased heartbeat, enlarged prostate, heart burn due to a hiatus hernia, high body temperature or fever, or taking the tablets in a hot climate.
Your doctor will also want to know about all the medicines that you take or took recently, including both prescription and non-prescription medicines, as this may interfere with the way oxybutynin or the other treatments work. Importantly, mention other anticholinergic or antispasmodic treatments, and medicines for mental problems, depression (i.e., tricyclic antidepressants), Parkinson's disease, dementia, allergy (i.e., antihistamines), heart problems, angina (i.e., sublingual nitrates), thinning the blood (i.e., dipyridamole), fungal and bacterial (i.e., macrolides) infections, and medicines for sickness, stomach and bowel problems.
You should not drive or use tools or machines if oxybutynin causes drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision, and drinking alcohol is not recommended.
Oxybutynin Side Effects
Stop taking oxybutynin and seek medical help straight away if you have an allergic reaction, with signs of rash, swallowing or breathing difficulties, or swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat.
Very common problems with this medicine include feeling or being sick, constipation, dry mouth and skin, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and headache. Diarrhoea, dry eyes, flushing, and confusion are common, while loss of appetite, swallowing difficulties, and stomach ache are uncommon. Other possible side effects include sudden eye problems, heartburn and digestive problems, irregular heartbeat, urinary tract infection or difficulty passing urine, heat stroke, sun-sensitive skin, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues (problems concentrating, paranoia, hallucinations), seizures, lack of sweating, and oxybutynin dependency. If you are concerned about any side effects, particularly mental health issues and seizures, see your doctor straight away.
GMC registration number: 4524038
Date: 6 February 2024
Next review: 5 February 2026
All UK registered doctors can have their registration checked on
The Medical Register at the GMC website.
Oxybutynin Reviews By Our Patients
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Works very well - takes the edge off excessive sweating. Been using for a very long time with no side effects.
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I started by taking one everyday but nothing happened, so I increased to two per day . It’s still not working at all . I feel like I just wasted my money because I asked for something else , but was recommended this , just for it not to work . Wouldn’t get it again .
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This is the treatment I have found to be most effective for excess sweating. I still feel hot, but without the embarrassing sweating. Which has also reduced my anxiety.
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Effective
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works perfectly!
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These blue oxybutynin are great if you have sweating everywhere but got to be the blue ones very good for my sweating
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I’ve found this medication to significantly help my hyperhidrosis symptoms. Online consultation is easy and delivery quick.
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did not suit me, side effects i had were confusion, concentration issues, leg swelling, had to stop taking after a few days
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These have been an absolute life changer for my hyperhidrosis, before taking these i could walk hakf a mile to the town and on the worse days i would hsve drops of sweat dripping off my nose, they started reducing my sweating almost instantly but took sbout a week to take full effect, dont get me wrong i still sweat a little but i feel like i just sweat the same amount as any normal person now, zero side effects either, thank you online clinic.
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Lets say I noticed when I ran out that I could not cope outside and started sweating severely. I have had limited side effects but I suggest not to run out, otherwise this can cause headaches.
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all good