Oxybutynin Dosages for Kids and Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

If your bladder is keeping you up at night or you’re going to the bathroom more often than you’d like, overactive bladder (OAB) may be the culprit. Thankfully, this common-yet-aggravating health condition is manageable. Treatments like medications, pelvic exercises, and surgery can all make a difference.

One common OAB medication is oxybutynin (Ditropan XL). It can also manage bladder symptoms caused by conditions like spina bifida in children — a birth defect that affects the spinal cord. This medication comes in many different formulations and dosages, including pills, liquids, and skin patches (Oxytrol).

No matter if you, your child, or an older relative have bladder symptoms like these, it’s important to keep your ideal oxybutynin dosage in mind. Recommended doses are highlighted in this guide. But know that your healthcare provider may recommend a different, more personalized dosage for you.

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What’s the typical oxybutynin dosage for adults?

The best oxybutynin dosage for adults depends on the type of oxybutynin you need. Oxybutynin comes in short- and long-acting forms. The shorter-acting form, called oxybutynin immediate release (IR), is taken multiple times a day. The longer-acting form, called oxybutynin extended release (ER), only needs to be taken once a day.

In most cases, your healthcare provider will initially prescribe you a dose that’s relatively low. If the lower dose isn’t treating your bladder symptoms effectively, they will gradually increase the dose until you find adequate relief.

However, as the dose increases, the risk of side effects can also go up. If side effects become an issue, your provider may decrease your dose or switch you to a different medication altogether.

Oxybutynin immediate release

Oxybutynin IR is the short-acting form of oxybutynin. If you ever see the medication plainly written as oxybutynin or oxybutynin chloride, it’s likely the IR form. The usual dose is one tablet (5 mg) taken 2 to 3 times a day. You may also start with a lower 2.5 mg tablet.

If you’re still experiencing OAB symptoms after trying doses like these, your healthcare provider may gradually increase your dose until your OAB symptoms are better controlled. The maximum recommended dose of oxybutynin IR is 5 mg taken 4 times a day.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, the oxybutynin syrup or solution are alternative options you could try. The usual dose is one teaspoon (5 mg/5 mL) two to three times a day.

Oxybutynin extended release

The usual starting dose of oxybutynin ER is one tablet (5 mg or 10 mg) taken at the same time every day. A 15 mg ER tablet is also available.

In most cases, your healthcare provider will start you on a lower dose to see how you respond to the medication. If you’re still having bothersome urinary symptoms with oxybutynin ER 10 mg once daily, your healthcare provider may gradually increase your dose in 5 mg increments — up to a maximum dose of 30 mg per day.

Pharmacist tip: You should not cut oxybutynin ER in half. This would cause too much of the medication to escape at one time, likely leading to extra side effects.

Oxybutynin patches and gel

Oxybutynin patches are also available. Instead of taking a pill, you could apply a patch to your skin to manage your bladder symptoms.

These patches don’t need to be switched every day, either. You can apply oxybutynin skin patches once every 3 to 4 days. For example, your healthcare provider may want you to apply a patch every Sunday and Wednesday. 

The patch can be applied to smooth, clean, and dry areas of skin. Your abdomen, hips, and buttocks are ideal locations. Each patch contains 36 mg of oxybutynin, which delivers an average dose of 3.9 mg per day.

Oxybutynin gel (Gelnique) is another topical (applied to the skin) option. You can get your once-daily dose of medication by applying oxybutynin 10% gel to your stomach, upper arms, or thighs.

For both the patches and the gel, it’s ideal to rotate your doses between application sites to avoid skin irritation in one area.

What’s the typical oxybutynin dosage for children?

Oxybutynin is mostly used by adults. But in some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe it for your child. It can address bladder problems related to issues like spina bifida. It’s also prescribed off-label for bed-wetting.

Oxybutynin IR is an option for kids ages 5 years and older, but the ER formulation is meant for children ages 6 years and older. The patches and gel are only approved for adults.

Oxybutynin immediate release

Kids can take oxybutynin IR multiple times a day. The usual dosage is one 5 mg tablet taken 2 times a day. Depending on how your child responds to the medication, their dosage may go up to 5 mg three times a day.

If your child is too young to swallow tablets, they may be prescribed liquid oxybutynin instead. The liquid has the same dosage recommendations as the tablets.

Oxybutynin extended release

If your child is prescribed oxybutynin ER, they’ll likely start off by taking one 5 mg tablet every day. This dosage can be increased by 5 mg increments up to a maximum dose of 20 mg per day. But remember — the ER tablets should never be chewed, crushed, or dissolved into a liquid. They should be swallowed whole.

Are there any dosage adjustments for certain people?

Yes, in some cases.

If you’re 65 years or older, your starting dose of oxybutynin IR may be slightly lower. You’ll likely initially receive 2.5 mg two to three times daily. This is because oxybutynin’s side effects tend to be more intense among older adults.

Kidney and liver problems are another factor. Oxybutynin is broken down (metabolized) by your liver, and it leaves your body through your kidneys. If your liver and/or kidneys aren’t working as well as they could, your healthcare provider may be extra cautious with your dose.

What happens if you miss a dose of oxybutynin?

If you’re like most people, you may forget to take a dose of medication every now and then. One or two missed doses shouldn’t cause any big issues. But it’s still not ideal to not miss doses, so you should know what to do if it happens.

If you miss a dose of oxybutynin, take it as soon as possible. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose. Then, take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Don’t take an extra dose to make up for a missed one.

However, if you’re having persistent trouble with your doses, remember that some forms of oxybutynin are easier on your schedule. If it’s difficult to take oxybutynin IR several times a day, ask your healthcare provider about once-daily oxybutynin ER. Twice-weekly oxybutynin patches are another option.

What should you do if you take too much oxybutynin?

Oxybutynin overdoses aren’t common. But if you think you accidentally took too much oxybutynin, it's a good idea to contact your healthcare provider. This is a good preventative measure even if you don’t feel any different. Depending on how much medication you took, they can walk you through next steps and potential treatment options. You can also call Poison Control at 1(800) 222-1222 as an alternative.

Some situations are more serious. You should seek medical attention right away if you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms:

• Confusion

• High body temperature

• Decreased sweating

• Sudden inability to urinate

• Dilated pupils

• Skin flushing

How to save on oxybutynin

There are ways to save on oxybutynin, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

• Save with GoodRx. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price of generic oxybutynin. Generic oxybutynin IR’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $13.07 with a free GoodRx discount. Generic oxybutynin ER’s price is as low as $8.50. The patches and gel are only available as name-brand products, but GoodRx can help you save at least 20%.

• Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Gelnique’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of cost.

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Written by:

Mandeep Sohal, PharmD

Mandeep Sohal, PharmD, has more than 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and is licensed in California. In his career, he’s had experience with specialty pharmacy, community pharmacy, pharmacy benefit management, and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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