Oxytrol (Oxybutynin)

Description

Oxytrol is a prescription skin patch used to treat overactive bladder. It can help reduce sudden, hard-to-control urges to urinate and urine leakage before reaching a restroom. The patch contains oxybutynin, a medicine that relaxes the bladder muscle so it can hold urine longer. Because the medicine enters through the skin rather than being swallowed, it may cause less dry mouth than oxybutynin tablets.

Directions

Apply one patch to clean, dry, unbroken skin on your abdomen, hip, or buttock twice per week, every 3 to 4 days. Choose two days that work for you, such as Sunday and Wednesday, and use the same schedule each week. Press the patch firmly for about 10 seconds, including the edges.

Use a different spot each time, and do not apply a patch to the same area again for 7 days. Open the pouch only when ready to use it, and do not cut, divide, or use a damaged patch. Avoid the waistline and skin that is oily, freshly shaved, or has lotion or powder on it. Bathing, swimming, and exercise are okay while wearing the patch. If it starts to lift, press it down. If it falls off, apply a new patch and continue your usual schedule.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Oxytrol is oxybutynin. The adhesive layer that carries the drug also contains triacetin. The patch also uses a polyester and ethylene-vinyl acetate backing film.

Cautions

• Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
  • Any existing health conditions
  • Any allergies
  • A list of all medications currently being taken
• Tell your healthcare provider if your urine stream is weak or your bladder never feels empty. A blockage at the bladder outlet increases the chance that oxybutynin causes full retention.
• Mention any gastrointestinal conditions, such as an obstruction, stubborn constipation, or ulcerative colitis, to a healthcare provider. Oxybutynin relaxes the gut as well as the bladder and can worsen those conditions.
• Consult a healthcare provider about heartburn or reflux, along with any medication that irritates the esophagus, as oxybutynin slows how quickly the stomach empties.
• Do not drive or handle machinery until you know how the patch affects you, since oxybutynin makes some people drowsy.
• Limit alcohol use while wearing the patch, as it can worsen drowsiness from alcohol.
• Do not use Oxytrol if you have myasthenia gravis.
• Taking other anticholinergics, including some antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, and drugs for Parkinson’s disease or motion sickness, can worsen dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.
• Drink plenty of water and use caution in hot weather or during hard exercise, as oxybutynin can reduce how much you sweat and cause you to overheat more easily.
• Have your eyes checked if your vision blurs or your eyes ache, and tell a healthcare provider about any history of glaucoma.
• Fold each used patch in half with the sticky sides pressed together and throw it away where children and pets cannot reach it, since a used patch still holds leftover drug.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• You cannot empty your bladder due to a problem called urinary retention
• Your stomach empties slowly or not at all due to gastric retention
• You have narrow-angle glaucoma that is not under control
• You have had a serious allergic reaction to oxybutynin or to anything else in the patch

Side Effects

Common side effects of Oxytrol include:

• Itching
• Redness
• Dry mouth
• Small blisters or a rash under the patch
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Blurred vision
• Pain or burning when you urinate

Take the patch off and get emergency help if your face, lips, tongue, or throat begins to swell or you have trouble breathing, which may be due to a serious allergic reaction. Consult your healthcare provider if you stop being able to urinate, if your lower belly feels full and painful, or if several days pass without a bowel movement and you experience stomach pain. Sudden eye pain with blurred vision or halos around lights can mean pressure is building inside the eye. Let your healthcare provider know if you experience severe confusion, dizziness, or drowsiness, and take the patch off if the skin under it blisters.

References

Oxytrol Prescribing Information. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie Inc.; 2024.

Oxytrol Drug Label Information. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie Inc.; 2024.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....