Drug Notes

Oxybutynin (Absorbed through the skin)

Oxybutynin (ox-i-BUE-ti-nin)

Treats overactive bladder.

Brand Name(s):

Gelnique, Oxytrol, Oxytrol For Women

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Gel/Jelly, Patch

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. The instructions should show the skin areas where you can apply the medicine and tell you how often you should use it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand.
• Do not apply this medicine to the same skin area that you used for the last application.
• Apply this medicine only on your skin. Do get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth, or on your breasts or genital area. Do not swallow the medicine or apply over cuts, burns, scrapes, scars, or irritated skin.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
• Patch
  • Place a new patch on the buttocks, hip, or abdomen. Always remove the old patch before you put on a new one.
  • Leave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. Tear the wrapper open carefully. NEVER CUT the wrapper or the patch with scissors. Do not use any patch that has been cut by accident.
  • Put on a new patch if the old one has fallen off and cannot be reapplied.
  • Fold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.
• Gel
  • You may apply this medicine to the stomach, upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Wash the skin with mild soap and water, and then rinse and dry before you apply the medicine.
  • Prime the pump before use by pressing all the way down 4 times. Do not use any medicine that came out while you were priming the pump.
  • Apply the correct amount of gel into your hand or directly on the application site. Gently rub it until the gel dries.
  • Do not bathe, swim, shower, or exercise for 1 hour after you apply this medicine.
  • Cover the application site with dry clothing after the medicine has dried if you might be touching another person.
  • This medicine contains alcohol, which is flammable. Do not use this medicine near heat or open flame, or while smoking.
• Missed dose: Apply the medicine as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the patch in the pouch until you are ready to apply it.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines and foods can affect how this drug works. Tell your doctor if you are also using medicine to treat osteoporosis or weak bones.
• This medicine may intensify the effects of alcohol or any other medicine that makes you sleepy, such as allergy medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have myasthenia gravis, glaucoma, trouble emptying your bladder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or a digestive problem (such as colitis or constipation).
• This medicine may make you sweat less, which can cause your body temperature to rise. Be careful when you exercise and during hot weather. You could overheat or get heat stroke.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy, or cause blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Severe constipation
• Trouble urinating or painful urination

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Redness, itching, or swelling where you apply the medicine
• Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017