Drug Name

Oxytrol (Oxybutynin)

Drug Uses

Oxytrol is used for adults with symptoms of overactive bladders that including sudden urges to urinate (urgency), urinary incontinence (the inability to control urination), and frequent urination. It also is used in children, aged 6 years and older, with symptoms of detrusor muscle hyperactivity associated with neurological conditions, such as spina bifida.

How Taken

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Do not open the sealed pouch until ready to apply the patch. Open the pouch and remove the protective liner from the patch to expose the adhesive. Apply the patch to a clean, dry, smooth area of skin on your stomach area (abdomen), hips, or buttocks. Press firmly to be sure the patch will stay on. Usually, one patch is applied and replaced every 3 to 4 days (twice a week); or as directed by your doctor. Follow the dosing schedule carefully, always try to change the patch on the same 2 days of the week to help you remember. 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. 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 irritated, or oily skin or to areas where lotion or powder is applied. Contact with water when swimming, showering, bathing, or exercising will not change the way the medicine works. Try to avoid rubbing the patch though during these activities. If the area around the patch becomes red, itchy, or irritated, try a new site. If irritation continues or becomes worse, notify your doctor promptly. If the patch falls off, reapply it or apply a new patch and wear it until the next patch should be applied. 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 away where it cannot be accidentally worn or swallowed by another person, especially a child or pet.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Oxytrol has a dual mechanism of action. Contraction of the smooth muscle of the bladder is stimulated by the release of acetylcholine by the nerves within the bladder and the attachment of the acetylcholine to receptors on the surface of the muscle cells. Oxybutynin delivered into the blood suppresses involuntary contractions of the bladders smooth muscle (spasms) by blocking the release of acetylcholine. This is called an anticholinergic effect. Oxytrol also directly relaxes the bladders outer layer of muscle (the detrusor muscle).

Missed Dose

If you forget to change the patch on the day it is due, remove the old patch and apply a new one as soon as you remember and continue to follow your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in the original sealed pouch, away from heat and light. Brief periods of storage at 59 to 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.

Warnings/Precautions

Use of this medicine in children under age 5 is not recommended. This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anythung else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Limit akcoholic beverages. This medicine can cause decreased sweating. Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heat stroke may occur while you are taking this medicine. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. Caution is advised when using this medicine in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine (see BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE section). Before tou begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. For woman: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

The use of oxytrol in patients who are receiving other drugs with anticholinergic effects will likely result in an increased frequency and/or severity of anticholinergic side effects. Such effects include dry mouth, constipation, confusion, blurred vision, urinary retention (the inability to urinate) and an increased heart rate or palpitations. There are many such drugs. A few include: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), scopolamine (Trans-Scop), benztropine (Cogentin), disopyramide (Norpace), thioridazine (Mellaril), and amitriptyline (Elavil). Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include skin redness, itching, or irritation at the application site; dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, blurred vision, or constipation. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. To relieve dry mouth, suck on sugarless hard candy or ice chips, chew sugarless gum, drink water, or use saliva substitute. Check with your doctor immediately if you experience weakness, vision problems, or symptoms of urinary infection (urinary burning, frequent urination). Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any unlikely but serious side effects, including eye pain, difficulty urinating, severe stomach pain, chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, fever, mental/mood changes, flushing hot or dry skin. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.