Oxybutynin is used to treat an overactive bladder. By
relaxing the muscles in the bladder, oxybutynin improves symptoms such as
the inability to control urination (incontinence), feeling that one has to
urinate (urgency), and having to go to the bathroom often (frequency). This
medication belongs to the class of drugs known as
antispasmodics.
This medication is not recommended for use in children
younger than 5 years of age. Consult your doctor for more
information.
Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, the
over-the-counter product should only be used by adult women who have
symptoms of overactive bladder for at least 2 months.
For over-the-counter products, carefully read the
package instructions to make sure the product is right for you. Check the
ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The
manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar
names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes.
Taking the wrong product could harm you.
If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self
treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this
medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, 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,
consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Apply one patch to your skin as directed by your doctor,
usually every 3 to 4 days. If you are self-treating, apply one patch to
your skin every 4 days. Follow the dosing schedule
carefully.
Before applying the patch, wash the area you will be
using for the patch gently and thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse and
dry with a clean dry towel.
Apply the new patch to a different area of skin to
prevent skin irritation. Do not apply a patch to the same area within 7
days. Remember to remove the old patch before applying a new patch. If the
area around the patch becomes red, itchy, or irritated, try a new site. If
irritation continues or becomes worse, tell your doctor
promptly.
Do not open the sealed pouch container until you are
ready to apply the patch. Open the pouch and remove the protective liner
from the patch to expose the adhesive. Apply the patch to an area of clean,
dry, smooth skin on the stomach (abdomen), hips, or buttocks. Press firmly
to be sure the patch stays on. Apply to an area of skin that is under
clothing and protected from sunlight. Avoid applying the patch on your
waistline, since tight clothing may rub the patch off, or on areas where
sitting may loosen it. Do not apply the patch to
oily/red/cut/irritated/broken skin or skin covered with lotion or powder.
Do not cut the patch into smaller sizes or use the patch if it is broken,
cut, or damaged.
Contact with water (such as swimming, bathing) will not
change the way the patch works. Avoid rubbing the patch area during these
activities.
If the patch falls off, reapply it or apply a new patch
to a new area and continue on your same schedule.
When it is time to apply a new patch, remove the old one
and dispose of it properly in the trash. Fold the sticky sides of the patch
together and throw it away where it cannot be accidentally worn or
swallowed by others, especially a child or pet.
The length of treatment is determined by your doctor,
who may have you stop using the medication sometimes to see if you still
need to use it.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, try to always change the patch on the same 2
days of the week. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of side effects will increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
If you are self-treating, tell your doctor if your condition does not get
better after 2 weeks. If you think you may have a serious medical problem,
get medical help right away.
Skin redness/itching/irritation at the application site,
dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, headache, weakness,
nausea or constipation may occur. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck (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.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that 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:
- vision problems (including eye pain)
- difficulty urinating
- signs of kidney infection (such as burning/painful/frequent
urination, lower back pain)
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations)
- fever
- flushed/hot/dry skin
- 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:
- active internal bleeding
- blockage/slowed movement of the stomach/intestines (such as
gastric retention, paralytic ileus)
- certain bladder problems (urinary retention, bladder outflow
obstruction, stress incontinence)
- glaucoma (narrow-angle)
- a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis)
- liver disease
- high blood pressure
- heart problems (such as coronary artery disease, heart
failure, arrhythmias)
- stomach/intestinal disease (such as acid reflux, hiatal
hernia, ulcerative colitis, intestinal atony)
- kidney disease
- loss of mental abilities (dementia)
- enlarged prostate
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- a certain nervous system disorder (autonomic
neuropathy)
- Parkinson's disease
In addition, before you self treat with this medication,
tell your doctor if you have any of these signs of a more serious
condition:
- signs of a bladder/kidney infection (such as burning/pain
when you urinate, fever, pink/bloody urine)
- signs of diabetes (such as increased thirst,
dizziness/fainting, vision changes, increased urination, wounds that are
slow to heal)
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 may make you sweat less, making you more
likely to get heat stroke. Avoid doing things that may cause you to
overheat, such as hard work or exercise in hot weather, or using hot tubs.
When the weather is hot, drink a lot of fluids and dress lightly. If you
overheat, quickly look for a place to cool down and rest. Get medical help
right away if you have a fever that does not go away, mental/mood changes,
headache, or dizziness.
If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing
personnel that you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals
that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you
will need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch
afterward, and how to do so properly.
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 medication 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 medication patch may be harmful if chewed or
swallowed. If someone has overdosed, remove the patch if possible. For
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.
If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you,
do not share it with others.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you are using this product on a regular schedule and
forget to change the patch on the right day, remove the old patch and apply
a new one as soon as you remember. Continue to follow your original
schedule for changing the patch. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from heat. Keep the
medication in the original sealed pouch to protect from light and moisture.
Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the
product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your
pharmacist. 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 (See also How to Use section). Consult
your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.