From the FDA Drug Label
Oxybutynin chloride should be administered with caution to patients with clinically significant bladder outflow obstruction because of the risk of urinary retention
- Urinary Retention: Oxybutynin chloride may worsen urinary retention in patients with bladder outflow obstruction.
- Administration: The medication should be used with caution in patients with conditions that may affect urination. The FDA drug label does not answer the question of what medication can help female patients urinate, as oxybutynin chloride is associated with a risk of urinary retention, particularly in patients with bladder outflow obstruction 1.
From the Research
For female patients experiencing urinary difficulties, the most effective medication to help with urination is solifenacin (VESIcare) 5-10mg daily, as it has been shown to improve bladder function and reduce urgency in patients with overactive bladder, according to the most recent and highest quality study 2. When considering medications to help female patients urinate, several options are available, including alpha-blockers, antimuscarinics, and beta-3 agonists.
- Alpha-blockers like tamsulosin (Flomax) 0.4mg daily can relax the bladder neck and urethra, making urination easier.
- For urinary retention, bethanechol (Urecholine) 10-50mg three to four times daily can stimulate bladder contractions.
- Antimuscarinics like solifenacin (VESIcare) 5-10mg daily and beta-3 agonists like mirabegron (Myrbetriq) 25-50mg daily can help improve bladder function and reduce urgency that can interfere with normal voiding. These medications work best when combined with behavioral techniques such as double voiding and scheduled voiding every 3-4 hours, as recommended in a recent review 3. Patients should maintain adequate hydration but avoid excessive fluid intake before bedtime, as suggested in a study on urinary incontinence 4. It's also important to note that tolterodine has been shown to be effective in treating overactive bladder symptoms, with a similar efficacy to oxybutynin but with fewer systemic adverse effects, such as dry mouth 5, 6. However, the most recent and highest quality study 2 suggests that solifenacin may be preferred for its better efficacy and lower risk of dry mouth compared to tolterodine.