Gelnique (transdermal)

Generic name: oxybutynin (transdermal) [ OX-i-BUE-ti-nin ]
Brand names: Gelnique, Oxytrol
Drug class: Urinary antispasmodics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 29, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is oxybutynin transdermal?

Oxybutynin transdermal (skin patch) is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder such as frequent or urgent urination, incontinence (urine leakage), and increased nighttime urination.

Oxybutynin transdermal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Oxybutynin transdermal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• little or no urination;

• severe constipation;

• confusion, hallucinations;

• vomiting, severe heartburn or upper stomach pain;

• pain or burning when you urinate; or

• dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin.

Common side effects of Gelnique may include:

• redness, itching, or mild skin irritation where a patch was worn or the gel was applied;

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• dry mouth;

• dry eyes, blurred vision; or

• constipation, diarrhea, decreased urination.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use this medicine if you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or if you are unable to completely empty your bladder.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use oxybutynin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma;

• a stomach disorder causing delayed emptying; or

• if you are unable to completely empty your bladder.

Oxybutynin transdermal is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• trouble emptying your bladder (or you have a weak stream of urine);

• an enlarged prostate;

• a stomach disorder such as hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or slow digestion;

• an intestinal disorder, such as ulcerative colitis;

• bowel obstruction, constipation;

• glaucoma;

• myasthenia gravis; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use oxybutynin transdermal?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. This medicine is for use only on the skin.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Each packet of oxybutynin gel is for one use only. Cover the gel-treated skin with clothing to help prevent getting this medicine on your other skin or on other people.

Avoid being in water or exercising vigorously for at least 1 hour after applying oxybutynin gel. You may leave a skin patch on while bathing, showering, or swimming.

Do not wear more than one skin patch at a time. Using extra skin patches will not make the medicine more effective. Never cut a skin patch.

Cover the gel-treated skin with clothing to help prevent getting this medicine on your other skin or on other people.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep each skin patch in its sealed pouch until you are ready to use it.

Oxybutynin gel is flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

Throw away an empty gel packet or used skin patch in a place where children and pets cannot get to it. Fold the used skin patch in half so it sticks together.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the gel as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

If you forget to change a skin patch on your scheduled day, replace the patch as soon as you remember. Wear the new patch until your next regular patch-changing day. Do not apply two patches at the same time and do not change your patch-changing schedule.

If a patch falls off, try sticking back into place. If it does not stick well, put on a new patch and leave it on only for the rest of your wearing time. Do not change your patch removal schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include warmth, tingling, fever, irregular heartbeats, feeling restless, vomiting, and little or no urinating.

What should I avoid while using oxybutynin transdermal?

Do not expose the oxybutynin skin patch to sunlight. It should be worn under clothing.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of oxybutynin.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Oxybutynin can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid applying lotions, powders, or oils to the skin you plan to treat with oxybutynin transdermal. These other skin products can make it harder for your skin to absorb oxybutynin, and it may not work as well. You may apply oxybutynin gel to skin that has been treated with sunscreen.

What other drugs will affect oxybutynin transdermal?

Using oxybutynin with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, especially:

• an antidepressant;

• cold or allergy medicine that contains an antihistamine (Benadryl and others);

• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease;

• medicine to treat excess stomach acid, stomach ulcer, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome;

• medicine to treat overactive bladder; or

• bronchodilator asthma medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect oxybutynin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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