This medication is used to treat an overactive bladder.
Oxybutynin improves your ability to control your urination by relaxing the
muscles in the bladder. It helps to reduce leaking of urine, feelings of
needing to urinate right away, and frequent trips to the bathroom. This
medication belongs to the class of drugs known as
antispasmodics.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using oxybutynin and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Wash your hands and the area of skin where the gel will
be applied with a mild soap and water. Allow the area to dry completely
before applying.
Apply the gel from 1 packet (about the size of a nickel)
to an area of skin on the shoulders/upper arms, abdomen, or thigh as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not apply the gel to open
sores, areas with a rash, recently shaved, irritated, or oily skin, or to
where lotions or powders have been applied. Gently rub into your skin until
it dries. Do not continue rubbing after the gel has dried. This medication
may be used before or after applying sunscreen.
Oxybutynin gel is for use on the skin only. Avoid
getting the gel in the eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash your hands with soap and
water after applying this medication. If the gel gets in your eyes, rinse
your eyes right away with warm, clean water. Discard the used packet safely
away from children and pets.
Apply the gel to a different area of skin with each
dose. This will decrease skin reactions.
Allow this medication to dry completely on the skin
before getting dressed. Cover the area to prevent spreading the medication
through skin contact. If contact occurs, immediately wash the area with
soap and water. After applying the gel, wait 1 hour before exercising,
bathing, showering, swimming, or getting the application area wet to make
sure all the drug is absorbed. This medication contains alcohol. Avoid
smoking and open flame until the gel has dried.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Skin redness/itching/swelling at the application site,
dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or
ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use a saliva
substitute.
To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough
water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your
pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- difficulty urinating
- signs of kidney infection (such as burning/painful/frequent
urination, lower back pain)
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations)
- signs of stomach/intestinal blockage (such as nausea/vomiting
that doesn't stop, severe stomach pain, severe constipation)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using oxybutynin, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- blockage/slowed movement of the stomach/intestines (such as
severe constipation, gastric retention, paralytic ileus)
- stomach/intestinal disease (such as acid reflux, hiatal
hernia, ulcerative colitis)
- problems emptying your bladder (such as urinary retention,
obstruction, enlarged prostate)
- certain eye problem (glaucoma)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis)
- Parkinson's disease
- a certain nervous system disorder (autonomic
neuropathy)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your
vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear
vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your
doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This medication can cause decreased sweating. Avoid
becoming overheated in hot weather, saunas, or during exercise or other
strenuous activities since heatstroke may occur.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, trouble
urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of
falling.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- pramlintide
- drugs that can irritate the esophagus/stomach (such as
potassium tablets/capsules, oral bisphosphonates including alendronate,
etidronate)
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such
as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine,
diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that can
cause drowsiness, constipation or blurred vision. Ask your pharmacist about
using those products safely.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual excitement,
agitation, fast/irregular heartbeat, hot/flushed skin,
fever.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom or near an open flame. This medication is
flammable. Avoid smoking and open flame until the gel has dried. Throw out
used gel packets in a secure trash can. Do not save opened packets for
later use. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.