Oxybutynin is a medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB), a condition characterized by frequent urination, urgency, and incontinence. It belongs to a class of drugs called anticholinergics, which work by relaxing the bladder muscles and reducing bladder spasms, thereby helping to control urinary symptoms. By blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions, oxybutynin helps to increase bladder capacity and decrease the frequency of involuntary contractions, leading to improved urinary control and decreased episodes of urgency and incontinence.

Apart from its use in managing OAB, oxybutynin is also utilized off-label for various other conditions, including hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), neurogenic bladder, and certain types of urinary incontinence. In hyperhidrosis, oxybutynin helps to reduce sweating by blocking the nerve impulses that stimulate sweat glands. Additionally, it may be prescribed to manage symptoms associated with bladder dysfunction caused by neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis.