Health Library

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.
• Do not apply this medicine to the same skin area that you used for the last application.
• Patch:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.
  • 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. Do not use this medicine if the patch is damaged.
  • The patient instructions will show the body areas where you can wear the patch. When putting on each new patch, choose a different place within these areas. Do not put the new patch on the same place you wore the last one. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new one. Do not use the same area for at least 7 days.
  • Apply the patch to a clean, dry, smooth skin on your stomach, hips, or buttocks. Do not put the patch over oily, cut, scraped, or irritated skin. Avoid putting the patch on areas where it could be rubbed by tight clothing.
  • Bend the patch in half and gently roll the remaining part onto your skin using the tips of your finger. While rolling, the second piece of the protective liner should come off. Press the patch firmly with your finger.
  • Do not put oils, lotions, or powder on the skin area where the patch will be placed.
  • Put on a new patch if the old one has fallen off and cannot be reapplied.
  • After you remove the old patch, fold it in half with sticky sides together. Wash the application site with warm water and a mild soap or baby oil to remove any adhesive on your skin. Do not use alcohol or nail polish remover.
• Gel (packet or metered-dose pump):
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
  • You may apply this medicine on 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.
  • Tear and squeeze the entire contents of the packet into the palm of your hand or directly on the application site.
  • Prime the pump before use by pressing all the way down 4 times or until you see the gel come out. 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.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply 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. Throw away the pump dispenser after 30 pumps.

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 can affect how oxybutynin works. Tell your doctor if you are also using clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, or medicine to treat osteoporosis or weak bones.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), glaucoma, trouble emptying your bladder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or stomach or bowel problems (including 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.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• 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, dizziness
• 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: 9/6/2024