Generic Name: oxybutynin (ox ee BYOO tih nin)
Brand Names: Ditropan, Ditropan XL, Oxytrol, Urotrol
Oxytrol : Important Information:
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Oxybutynin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while using oxybutynin.
- Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. Oxybutynin increases the risk of heat stroke because it decreases sweating. Drink plenty of fluid of maintain adequate hydration.
- Do not expose the oxybutynin transdermal patch (Oxytrol) to sunlight. It should be worn under clothing.
What is Oxytrol
- Oxytrol relieves spasms of the bladder and urinary tract.
- Oxytrol is used to treat the symptoms of urinary frequency, urinary urgency, urinary leakage, painful or difficult urination, urinary incontinence, and nighttime urination associated with overactive bladder.
- Oxytrol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What to Discuss before Using
- Do not use oxybutynin if you have
- a blockage of the urinary tract (difficulty urinating); or
- a blockage in the intestines.
- Before using oxybutynin, tell your doctor if you have
- liver disease;
- kidney disease,
- numbness or tingling in the hands or feet;
- difficulty swallowing solids or liquids;
- reflux disease;
- glaucoma;
- myasthenia gravis;
- ulcerative colitis;
- thyroid problems;
- high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or any type of heart disease;
- a hiatal hernia; or
- enlargement of the prostate.
- You may not be able to use oxybutynin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Oxybutynin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use oxybutynin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether oxybutynin passes into breast milk. Do not use oxybutynin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Oxytrol Dosage Method
- Use oxybutynin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the extended release form of oxybutynin (Ditropan XL). These tablets are specially formulated to release the medication slowly into the body. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water or another liquid. Occasionally, you may find a tablet form in the stool. Do not be alarmed, this is the outer shell of the tablet only, the medication has been absorbed by the body.
- To ensure that you get the correct dosage, measure the liquid form of oxybutynin with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
- Use the oxybutynin topical patches (Oxytrol) as directed. Each patch should be applied to dry, intact skin on the stomach, hip, or buttock. Do not expose the oxybutynin transdermal patch to sunlight. It should be worn under clothing. A new application site should be selected with each new system to avoid re-application to the same site within 7 days. Patches are usually changed twice a week, every 3 to 4 days. Try to change the patch on the same two days every week.
- When changing the Oxytrol patch, remove the old patch slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the skin. Once off, fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw away the patch so that it cannot be accidentally worn or swallowed by another person, especially a child or pet. If any adhesive remains on the skin after patch removal, wash the area with mild soap and warm water. A small amount of baby oil may also be used. Rings of adhesive that become dirty may require a medical adhesive removal pad that you can get from your pharmacist. Alcohol or other dissolving liquids should not be used.
- Do not apply the oxybutynin transdermal patch (Oxytrol) to areas where the skin folds, the waistline where tight clothing may rub against the patch, skin that is damaged (cut or scraped) or irritated, or skin that has been treated with oil, lotion, powder, or other skin products.
- The oxybutynin transdermal patch (Oxytrol) does not need to be removed during bathing, swimming, showering, or exercising. However, try to avoid rubbing the patch area during these activities.
- Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you. If your symptoms are not being treated, notify your doctor.
- Store oxybutynin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Miss a dose: Problems?
- Take a missed oral dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
- If an oxybutynin transdermal patch (Oxytrol) falls off, press it back in place and continue to follow your application schedule. If the patch does not stay on, throw it away. Apply a new patch in a different area, and continue to follow your original application schedule for changing the patch. If you forget to change a patch after 3 or 4 days, remove the old patch, put on a new patch in a different area and continue to follow your original application schedule.
Oxytrol Overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of an oxybutynin overdose include restlessness, tremor, irritability, seizures, delirium, hallucinations, flushing, fever, nausea, vomiting, a fast heartbeat, and possibly coma.
Avoid During Treatment
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Oxybutynin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while using oxybutynin.
- Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. Oxybutynin increases the risk of heat stroke because it decreases sweating. Drink plenty of fluid to maintain adequate hydration.
Oxytrol Side Effects
- If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using oxybutynin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
- an irregular or fast heart rate.
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take oxybutynin and talk to your doctor if you experience
- nausea or vomiting;
- difficulty urinating;
- constipation;
- dry mouth;
- blurred vision or large pupils;
- dryness of the eyes;
- drowsiness;
- dizziness or lightheadedness;
- decreased sweating;
- a rash;
- insomnia;
- restlessness;
- hallucinations; or
- mild redness at patch application site (Oxytrol).
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs to avoid while undergoing treatment
- Oxybutynin may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine while using oxybutynin without first talking to your doctor.
- Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with oxybutynin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Oxytrol, generically known as Oxybutynin, is the first and only transdermal system to treat 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).
Oxytrol's transdermal delivery system delivers oxybutynin, a medication widely accepted and prescribed in oral formulations. Since the drug is delivered into your bloodstream through your skin, it bypasses the initial metabolism process in the liver and the stomach as seen with oral therapies.
Oxytrol is a thin, flexible and clear patch that should be applied to the abdomen, hip or buttock twice weekly and provides continuous and consistent delivery of oxybutynin over a three to four day interval. Store Oxytrol at room temperature in the original sealed pouch away from heat or light.
