Oxybutynin is best described as which type?

• A. Antimuscarinic for urinary incontinence
• B. Antipsychotic
• C. Antiparkinsonian
• D. Skeletal muscle relaxant

Answer: (A)

Oxybutynin is an antimuscarinic agent used to treat urinary urgency and incontinence by blocking muscarinic receptors in the bladder. This reduces detrusor muscle contractions, lowering urge and leakage, which is why it’s described as an antimuscarinic for urinary incontinence. It isn’t an antipsychotic (which target psychosis-related symptoms), nor an antiparkinsonian (which address Parkinsonian motor symptoms), nor a skeletal muscle relaxant (which acts on muscle or spinal pathways through different mechanisms). In older adults, its anticholinergic effects can cause confusion or delirium, which is a key consideration in Beers Criteria.