Oxybutynin for treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children.

Abstract

QUESTION:

A 7-year-old child and his parents visit my clinic owing to the child's frequent bed-wetting. During the day, he has no problem controlling his urination. The family has tried behavioural methods but has failed to achieve dryness during the night. They ask to begin medical treatment. Is oxybutynin a safe and effective drug for treating nocturnal enuresis?

ANSWER:

Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic drug that has not been proven to be effective for treatment of nocturnal enuresis not accompanied by daytime symptoms, such as urgency. It can be added as a second-line drug and is effective for treating children with both daytime and nighttime wetting. Nevertheless, its common adverse effects, which can involve the central nervous system, should be considered when deciding whether or not to use it, especially in young children.

• Authors: Bat-Chen Friedman, Boris Friedman, Ran D Goldman
• Journal: Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien (Can Fam Physician) Vol. 57 Issue 5 Pg. 559-61 (May 2011) ISSN: 1715-5258 [Electronic] Canada
• PMID: 21642736 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Mandelic Acids
• Muscarinic Antagonists
• oxybutynin

Topics

• Child
• Humans
• Mandelic Acids (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Muscarinic Antagonists (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Nocturnal Enuresis (drug therapy)