Oxytrol (Oxybutynin) - Transdermal

What Is Oxytrol?

Oxytrol (oxybutynin) is a transdermal patch used to treat an overactive bladder. It belongs to a drug class known as antispasmodics. Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic drug.

It works by blocking the actions of a neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) on the muscle. It relaxes the bladder muscle, improves its capacity, reduces bladder spasms, and reduces urination urge and frequency. Oxytrol is available both with a prescription and over-the-counter (OTC).

What Is Oxytrol Used For?

Oxytrol is used to treat overactive bladder (urinary urgency with or without incontinence). This condition can significantly affect your quality of life. Oxybutynin relieves symptoms like:

• Dysuria (discomfort or burning when urinating)
• Urinary leakage
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary urgency and frequency

How to Take Oxytrol 

Apply one patch to dry, clean skin twice a week (every three to four days). Apply to fold-free smooth skin, like your hips, stomach, or buttocks. Apply your patch on the same two days every week, alternating application sites. If using the over-the-counter patch, change it every four days. Do not apply to the same spot more than once every seven days. Do not cut the patch.

Do not apply this patch on skin treated with lotion, powders, or oils. Do not apply to broken or irritated skin (like scratches or rashes). Keep the patch hidden under your clothes and out of direct sunlight.

This patch may contain conducting metal (like aluminum). Remove your patch before MRI scans.

Storage

Store the patch at room temperature, away from moisture. Once removed from its pouch, apply the patch immediately. Do not store it outside its pouch. Toss all expired patches to prevent pets and children from accidentally touching or ingesting them. Ask your pharmacist about the best ways to dispose of your medicine.

Off-Label Use

Oxytrol is used off-label to treat primary focal hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating in the forehead) usually not due to drug side effects or health conditions.

What Are the Side Effects of Oxytrol?

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.

Many people notice no negative side effects at all from taking Oxytrol. However, some people do experience problems while taking the medication.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of Oxytrol include but are not limited to:

• Dry mouth
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Loss of energy
• Trouble sleeping
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Application site irritation, itching, or redness

Severe Side Effects

Oxytrol can cause many side effects. Some may be life-threatening. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you have a medical emergency. Severe side effects include:

• Agitation
• Mood changes
• Urinary tract infection
• Severe dizziness
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Passing out
• Unable to pass urine
• Severe stomach pain
• Muscle weakness
• Lack of sweat

While on Oxytrol, watch out for the possibility of exertional heat illness, which may happen due to working hard in hot environments.

Oxytrol may worsen or aggravate the symptoms of certain health conditions. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have:

• Liver issues
• Hyperthyroidism
• Myasthenia gravis
• Dementia
• Hiatal hernia
• Parkinson disease
• Kidney issues
• Coronary artery disease (like heart failure, high blood pressure)
• Gastrointestinal motility issues (like ulcerative colitis)
• Angle-closure glaucoma (contraindicated with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma)

Dosage: How Much of Oxytrol Should I Use?

Modifications

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It's not known if Oxytrol is safe in pregnant people or if it's present in breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Children: Oxytrol may cause harm to children, including seizures and kidney failure.

Adults over 65: Although the patch may cause fewer side effects, people over 65 may experience memory problems while taking this medicine. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Missed Dose

Apply the missed patch once you think of it after taking off the old one. Then, return to your regular routine. Do not apply extra patches or more than one patch at a time

Overdose: What Happens If I Use Too Much Oxytrol?

Potential symptoms of an overdose include blurred vision, severe dizziness, and dry mouth.

Precautions

What Are Reasons I Shouldn't Take Oxytrol? 

Avoid taking Oxytrol if you have:

• Hypersensitivity to oxybutynin or any of its ingredients
• Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma (high blood pressure in the eye)
• Urinary retention issues (inability to empty your bladder)
• Gastric retention or decreased gastrointestinal (GI) motility (slow emptying of the stomach)

What Other Medications Interact With Oxytrol?

Certain medications interact with Oxytrol and increase the risk of side effects, including anticholinergic side effects like dry mouth. Some of the drugs to avoid are:

Other anticholinergics like:

• Cogentin (benztropine mesylate)

Antimycotic agents like:

• Sporanox (itraconazole)
• Oravig (miconazole)

Macrolide antibiotics like:

• Ery-Tab (erythromycin)
• Biaxin XL (clarithromycin)

Also, talk with your healthcare provider about any other medicines you take or plan to take, including OTC, nonprescription products, vitamins, herbs, or plant-based medicines.

What Medications Are Similar?

Other drugs similar to Oxytrol that are used to treat overactive bladder include:

• Detrol LA (tolterodine)
• Ditropan XL (oxybutynin)
• Vesicare (solifenacin)
• Enablex (darifenacin)

This list is a list of drugs also prescribed to treat overactive bladder. It is NOT a list of medicines recommended to take with Oxytrol. You should not take these drugs together unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Ask your pharmacist or a healthcare provider if you have questions.

How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Oxytrol?

Living with an overactive bladder can be managed by using Oxytrol. Although the Oxytrol patch has lesser side effects than its other dosage forms, it may still cause side effects like constipation and dry mouth. It may increase the likelihood of having exertional heat illness (becoming severely overheated following activity). Take caution when working hard in a hot environment. 

Oxytrol may affect some of your lab results, like allergy skin tests. Tell your healthcare providers about all the medicines you use so that they can have a more accurate understanding of your health status.