Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

OROS® oxybutynin or Ditropan®

Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic agent that blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the bladder smooth muscle, reducing involuntary contractions and increasing bladder capacity.

Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic agent that blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the bladder smooth muscle, reducing involuntary contractions and increasing bladder capacity. Used for Overactive bladder with symptoms of urge incontinence, urgency, and frequency, Neurogenic detrusor overactivity in spinal cord injury patients.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Oxybutynin competitively antagonizes muscarinic cholinergic receptors, particularly M3 receptors on detrusor muscle. This reduces the parasympathetic-mediated contractions of the bladder, thereby increasing functional bladder capacity and reducing urinary frequency and urgency. The OROS formulation provides extended-release delivery for improved tolerability and once-daily dosing.

Approved indications

• Overactive bladder with symptoms of urge incontinence, urgency, and frequency
• Neurogenic detrusor overactivity in spinal cord injury patients

Common side effects

• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Somnolence
• Headache
• Blurred vision

Key clinical trials

• A Study Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of OROS® Oxybutynin to That of Ditropan® (Immediate-release Oxybutynin) for the Treatment of Patients With Urge or Mixed Urinary Incontinence. (PHASE3)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• OROS® oxybutynin or Ditropan® CI brief — competitive landscape report
• OROS® oxybutynin or Ditropan® updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Alza Corporation, DE, USA portfolio CI