Uses
Oxybutynin transdermal patches are used to treat an overactive bladder (a condition in which the bladder muscles contract uncontrollably and cause frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, and inability to control urination). Oxybutynin is in a class of medications called antimuscarinics. It works by relaxing the bladder muscles.
Side Effects Of Oxybutynin Transdermal Patch
Transdermal oxybutynin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- redness, burning or itching in the place where you applied a patch
- dry mouth
- constipation
- stomach pain
- gas
- upset stomach
- extreme tiredness
- drowsiness
- headache
- blurred vision
- flushing
- back pain
Some side effects of oxybutynin transdermal patch can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- rash anywhere on the body
- hives
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- frequent, urgent, or painful urination
Transdermal oxybutynin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using transdermal oxybutynin:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to oxybutynin (Ditropan, Ditropan XL, Oxytrol), any other medications, medical tape products, or other skin patches.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking with oxybutynin transdermal patch. Be sure to mention any of the following: antihistamines (in cough and cold medications); ipratropium (Atrovent); medications for osteoporosis or bone disease such as alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), and risedronate (Actonel); medications for irritable bowel disease, motion sickness, Parkinson’s disease, ulcers, or urinary problems; and other medications used to treat overactive bladder. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had narrow-angle glaucoma (a serious eye condition that may cause vision loss), any condition that stops your bladder from emptying completely, or any condition that causes your stomach to empty slowly or incompletely. Your doctor may tell you not to use oxybutynin transdermal patch.
- tell your doctor if you or any of your family members have or have ever had any type of blockage in the bladder or digestive system; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, a condition in which the contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus and cause pain and heartburn); myasthenia gravis (a disorder of the nervous system that causes muscle weakness); ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum); benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH, enlargement of the prostate, a male reproductive organ); or liver or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using transdermal oxybutynin, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using transdermal oxybutynin.
- you should know that transdermal oxybutynin may make you drowsy and may blur your vision. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
- you should know that transdermal oxybutynin may make it harder for your body to cool down when it gets very hot. Avoid exposure to extreme heat, and call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment if you have a fever or other signs of heatstroke such as dizziness, upset stomach, headache, confusion, and fast pulse after you are exposed to heat.
Oxybutynin Transdermal Patch Dosage
Transdermal oxybutynin comes as a patch to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice each week (every 3–4 days). You should apply transdermal oxybutynin on the same 2 days of the week every week. To help you remember to apply your patches on the right days, you should mark the calendar on the back of your package of medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use transdermal oxybutynin exactly as directed. Do not apply the patches more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You can apply oxybutynin patches anywhere on your stomach, hips, or buttocks except the area around your waistline. Choose an area where you think the patch will be comfortable for you, where it will not be rubbed by tight clothing, and where it will be protected from sunlight by clothing. After you apply a patch to a particular area, wait at least 1 week before applying another patch in that spot. Do not apply patches to skin that has wrinkles or folds; that you have recently treated with any lotion, oil, or powder; or that is oily, cut, scraped, or irritated. Before applying a patch, be sure the skin is clean and dry.
After you apply an oxybutynin transdermal patch, you should wear it all the time until you are ready to remove it and put on a fresh patch. If the patch loosens or falls off before it is time to replace it, try to press it back in place with your fingers. If the patch cannot be pressed back on, discard it and apply a fresh patch to a different area. Replace the fresh patch on your next scheduled patch change day.
You may bathe, swim, shower, or exercise while you are wearing an oxybutynin patch. However, try not to rub on the patch during these activities, and do not soak in a hot tub for a long period of time while wearing a patch.
Transdermal oxybutynin controls the symptoms of overactive bladder but does not cure the condition. Continue to take transdermal oxybutynin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking transdermal oxybutynin without talking to your doctor.
To use the patches, follow these steps:
- Open the protective pouch and remove the patch.
- Peel the first piece of the liner off the sticky side of the patch. The second strip of the liner should remain stuck to the patch.
- Press the patch firmly onto your skin with the sticky side down. Be careful not to touch the sticky side with your fingers.
- Bend the oxybutynin transdermal patch in half and use your fingertips to roll the remaining part of the patch onto your skin. The second liner strip should fall off of the patch when you do this.
- Press firmly on the surface of the patch to attach it tightly to your skin.
- When you are ready to remove a patch, peel it off slowly and gently. Fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together and discard it safely, in a way that is out of reach of children and pets. Children and pets can be harmed if they chew on, play with, or wear used patches.
- Wash the area that was under the oxybutynin transdermal patch with mild soap and warm water to remove any residue. If necessary, you can use baby oil or a medical adhesive removal pad to remove residue that will not come off with soap and water. Do not use alcohol, nail polish remover, or other solvents.
Apply a new patch to a different area immediately by following steps 1–5.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription oxybutynin transdermal patch.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
