Drug Notes

Oxybutynin (On the skin)

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

Treats symptoms of an overactive bladder such as incontinence (loss of bladder control) or a frequent need to urinate.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Gel/Jelly

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Before applying this medicine, wash the application site (such as the stomach, upper arms, shoulders, or thighs) with mild soap and water. Rinse well and pat dry.
• Tear and squeeze the entire contents of the packet into the palm of your hand or directly on the application site. Gently rub it until the gel dries.
• Do not apply this medicine on the same application site you applied the last one.
• Do not bathe, swim, shower, or exercise for 1 hour after applying this medicine.
• Cover the application site with a dry cloth after the medicine has dried to avoid direct contact or transfer of oxybutynin to another person.
• This medicine contains alcohol which is flammable. Do not use this medicine near heat, open flame, or while smoking.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it 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 apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a medicine that may irritate your stomach or esophagus or a medicine used to treat osteoporosis or other bone problems (such as alendronate, etidronate, risedronate, Actonel®, Didronel®, or Fosamax®). Tell your doctor if you are also using any medicine that causes dry mouth, constipation, or sleepiness.
• Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas. You may use this medicine with a sunscreen.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bladder blockage, myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness), or stomach or bowel problems (such as constipation, ulcerative colitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD]).
• This medicine may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase. Use extra care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather while you are using this medicine, since overheating may result in heat stroke.
• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or cause blurred vision. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or not able to see well.
• Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

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.
• Bloody or cloudy urine.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Trouble urinating or painful urination.
• Unable to sweat, feeling overheated, or having a fever.
• Unusual weakness or tiredness.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

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

• Back pain.
• Blurred vision, dry eyes, or eyes sensitive to light.
• Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, or stomach pain.
• Dizziness or headache.
• Dry mouth.
• Rash or itching skin.
• Runny or stuffy nose.

Last Updated: 6/12/2013