Oxybutynin Chloride
PronunciationPronunciation: OX-i-BUE-ti-nin KLOR-ide
Class: Anticholinergic
Trade Names
Ditropan
- Tablets 5 mg
- Syrup 5 mg/5 mL
Ditropan XL
- Tablets, ER 5 mg
- Tablets, ER 10 mg
- Tablets, ER 15 mg
Gelnique
- Gel 10%
Oxytrol
- Transdermal system, topical 36 mg of oxybutynin delivering 3.9 mg of oxybutynin/day.
Gen-Oxybutynin (Canada)
Nu-Oxybutynin (Canada)
PMS-Oxybutynin (Canada)
Uromax (Canada)
Pharmacology
Increases bladder capacity, diminishes frequency of uninhibited contractions of detrusor muscle, and delays initial desire to void.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can react adversely with over 85 prescription medications.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
ERFollowing oral administration of the oxybutynin ER tablet, plasma levels rise for 4 to 6 h; thereafter, steady levels are maintained for up to 24 h. Steady-state levels are achieved by day 3 of repeated ER dosing.
Immediate-release tablet and syrupRapidly absorbed following oral administration, reaching the C max within 1 h. Bioavailability is approximately 6%.
Topical gelTransported across intact skin into the systemic circulation by passive diffusion across the stratum corneum. Steady-state concentrations are achieved within 7 days of continuous dosing.
Transdermal systemFollowing application of the first 3.9 mg/day system, plasma levels increase for approximately 24 to 48 h, reaching C max of 3 to 4 ng/mL.
Distribution
Plasma concentrations of oxybutynin decline biexponentially following IV or oral administration.
Widely distributed to body tissues. The Vd was estimated to be 193 L after IV administration of oxybutynin chloride 5 mg.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized by the liver, primarily by the CYP3A4 isozyme in the liver and gut wall. Transdermal administration bypasses the first-pass GI and hepatic metabolism.
Elimination
Less than 0.1% excreted unchanged in the urine.
Special Populations
Renal Function ImpairmentNo experience with use in patients with renal function impairment.
Hepatic Function ImpairmentNo experience with use in patients with hepatic function impairment.
ElderlyNo differences in pharmacokinetics in elderly patients compared with younger patients.
GenderNo differences in pharmacokinetics based on gender.
RaceAvailable data suggest that there are no differences in the pharmacokinetics based on race in healthy volunteers. The effect of race on the pharmacokinetics of the topical gel has not been studied.
Showering Topical gelShowering 1 h after application does not affect the overall systemic exposure to oxybutynin.
Sunscreen Topical gelConcurrent application of sunscreen before or after application does not affect systemic exposure to oxybutynin.
Indications and Usage
Treatment of symptoms of bladder instability associated with voiding in patients with uninhibited and reflex neurogenic bladder (eg, urinary leakage, dysuria) (immediate-release tablet and syrup). Treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency (ER tablet, topical gel, transdermal system); symptoms of detrusor over activity associated with neurological conditions (eg, spina bifida) in children 6 yr of age and older (ER tablet).
Unlabeled Uses
Hyperhidrosis.
Contraindications
Gastric retention; uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma; urinary retention; hypersensitivity to any component of the product.
ER tablet, immediate-release tablet, and syrupOther severe decreased GI motility conditions.
Dosage and Administration
Immediate-release tablet or syrupAdults
PO 5 mg 2 to 3 times daily (max, 5 mg 4 times daily).
Children older than 5 yr of agePO 5 mg twice daily (max, 5 mg 3 times daily).
Topical GelAdults
Topical gel Apply contents of 1 sachet once daily to dry, intact skin on the abdomen, upper arms/shoulder, or thighs.
ERAdults
PO 5 to 10 mg once daily adjusted in 5 mg increments at weekly intervals (max, 30 mg/day).
Children 6 yr of age and olderPO ER 5 mg once daily at approximately the same time. Adjust dose in 5 mg increments to achieve a balance of efficacy and tolerability (max, 20 mg/day).
Transdermal systemAdults
Transdermal 3.9 mg/day applied twice/wk (every 3 or 4 days) to dry, intact skin on abdomen, hip, or buttock, selecting a new application site with each system and avoiding using the same site within 7 days.
General Advice
- Transdermal system
- Remove patch from foil pouch, remove plastic strips covering adhesive layer, and immediately apply to dry, intact skin on the abdomen, buttock, or hip.
- Rotate application sites to avoid reapplication to same site within 7 days.
- To discard used patch, fold used patch, place in foil pouch from new patch, and discard in trash.
- Topical gel
- Rotate application site.
- Application should not be made to the same site on consecutive days.
- Apply immediately after the sachet is opened and contents expelled.
- Hands should be washed immediately after application.
Storage/Stability
Store at 59° to 86° F. Protect from moisture and humidity. Do not store patches outside foil pouch.
Drug Interactions
Anticholinergic drugs (eg, amantadine)Increased risk of anticholinergic adverse reactions.
Beta-blockers (eg, atenolol)Atenolol plasma levels may be elevated, increasing the risk of adverse reactions.
DigoxinIncreased plasma levels of slow-dissolution oral tablets may be increased.
HaloperidolWorsening of schizophrenic symptoms; tardive dyskinesia; decreased serum haloperidol concentrations, reducing therapeutic effect.
Inhibitors of CYP3A4 (eg, azole antifungal agents [eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole], macrolide antibiotics [clarithromycin, erythromycin])Oxybutynin plasma concentrations may be elevated. Coadminister with caution.
Phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine)Decreased therapeutic effects of phenothiazines; increased incidence of anticholinergic adverse reactions.
Potassium chlorideArrest or delay of potassium chloride tablet passage through the GI tract as a result of decreased GI motility.
Laboratory Test Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
Cardiovascular
ER tabletsHypertension, increased BP, palpitations (1% to less than 5%); arrhythmia, tachycardia (postmarketing).
Immediate-release tablets and syrupDecreased and increased BP, palpitations, sinus arrhythmia (1% to 5%); tachycardia (postmarketing).
CNS
ER tabletsSomnolence (12%); headache (10%); asthenia (7%); dizziness (6%); confusional state, depression, dysgeusia, fatigue, insomnia, nervousness (1% to less than 5%); agitation, convulsions, hallucinations, psychotic disorder (postmarketing).
Immediate-release tablets and syrupDizziness (17%); somnolence (14%); headache (8%); nervousness (7%); insomnia (6%); asthenia, confusional state, dysgeusia, fatigue, sinus headache (1% to less than 5%); agitation, convulsions, hallucination, psychotic disorder (postmarketing).
Topical gelDizziness (3%); fatigue, headache (2%).
Transdermal systemFatigue, headache, somnolence (more than 1%); dizziness (postmarketing).
Dermatologic
ER tabletsDry skin, pruritus (1% to less than 5%); flushing, rash (postmarketing).
Immediate-release tablets and syrupDry skin, flushing, pruritus (1% to less than 5%); decreased sweating, rash (postmarketing).
Topical gelPruritus (1%).
Transdermal systemFlushing, rash (greater than 1%).
EENT
ER tabletsBlurred vision (8%); dry eyes, rhinitis (6%); dry throat, nasal dryness, nasopharyngitis, pharyngolaryngeal pain (1% to less than 5%).
Immediate-release tablets and syrupBlurred vision (10%); dry throat, eye irritation, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, nasal congestion, nasal dryness, nasopharyngitis, pharyngolaryngeal pain (1% to less than 5%); cycloplegia, mydriasis (postmarketing).
Topical gelNasopharyngitis (3%).
Transdermal systemAbnormal vision (3%).
GI
ER tabletsDry mouth (61%); constipation (13%); diarrhea, nausea (9%); dyspepsia (7%); abdominal pain, flatulence, gastroesophageal reflux disease, loose stools, vomiting (1% to less than 5%).
Immediate-release tablets and syrupDry mouth (71%); constipation (15%); nausea (12%); dyspepsia (6%); abdominal pain, decreased saliva secretion, diarrhea, dysphagia, eructation, flatulence, loose stools, tongue coating, upper abdominal pain, vomiting (1% to less than 5%); decrease GI motility (postmarketing).
Topical gelDry mouth (8%); viral gastroenteritis (2%); constipation (1%).
Transdermal systemDry mouth (10%); constipation, diarrhea (3%); abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea (greater than 1%).
Genitourinary
ER tabletsDysuria, UTI (5%); urinary hesitancy, urinary retention (1% to less than 5%); impotence (postmarketing).
Immediate-release tablets and syrupUrinary hesitancy (9%); UTI (7%); urinary retention (6%); dysuria, pollakiuria (1% to less than 5%); impotence, suppression of lactation (postmarketing).
Topical gelUTI (7%).
Transdermal systemDysuria (2%).
Local
Topical gelApplication-site reactions including anesthesia, dermatitis, erythema, irritation, pain, papules, and pruritus (5%).
Transdermal systemApplication-site pruritus (17%); application-site erythema (8%); application-site vesicles (4%); application-site macules, application-site rash (3%); application-site burning (greater than 1%).
Metabolic-Nutritional
Immediate-release tablets and syrupFluid retention, increased blood glucose, thirst (1% to less than 5%).
Musculoskeletal
ER tabletsArthralgia, back pain, extremity pain (1% to less than 5%).
Immediate-release tablets and syrupArthralgia, back pain, extremity pain, flank pain (1% to less than 5%).
Transdermal systemBack pain (more than 1%).
Respiratory
ER tabletsBronchitis, cough, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection (1% to less than 5%).
Immediate-release tablets and syrupAsthma, bronchitis, cough, hoarseness, sinus congestion, UTI (1% to less than 5%).
Topical gelUpper respiratory tract infection (5%).
Miscellaneous
ER tabletsPain (7%); chest pain, cystitis, fall, peripheral edema (1% to less than 5%).
Immediate-release tablets and syrupCystitis, edema, fall, fungal infections, pain, peripheral edema (1% to less than 5%).
Precautions
MonitorMonitor patients for signs of anticholinergic CNS effects, especially during the first few months of therapy or after dose increases. |
Pregnancy
Category B .
Lactation
Undetermined.
Children
Immediate release tablets and syrupSafety and efficacy not established in children younger than 5 yr of age.
ERSafety and efficacy not established in children younger than 6 yr of age.
Topical gel, transdermal systemSafety and efficacy not established.
Hypersensitivity
Patients developing skin hypersensitivity to oxybutynin topical gel should discontinue treatment.
Special Risk Patients
Use with caution in elderly patients and in patients with renal or hepatic function impairment or autonomic neuropathy. Use with caution in elderly patients, and in patients with hepatic or renal function impairment, GI obstruction, bladder outflow obstruction, ulcerative colitis, intestinal atony, and myasthenia gravis, and in patients with preexisting dementia who are receiving cholinesterase inhibitors.
Anticholinergic effects
Use cautiously with phenothiazines or other drugs with anticholinergic properties because adverse reactions will be additive.
Cardiac and other effects
May aggravate symptoms of hyperthyroidism, coronary heart disease, CHF, cardiac arrhythmias, tachycardia, hypertension, hiatal hernia, and prostatic hypertrophy.
CNS effects
CNS anticholinergic effects (eg, agitation, confusion, hallucination, somnolence) can occur.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea may be an early symptom of intestinal obstruction in which oxybutynin is contraindicated.
Flammable gel
The topical gel is alcohol-based and flammable. Patients should avoid open fire or smoking until gel is dry.
GI disorders
Administration to patients with ulcerative colitis may suppress GI motility and produce paralytic ileus, precipitating or aggravating toxic megacolon. Use with caution.
Heat prostration
Heat prostration may occur when exposed to high environmental temperature.
Skin transference
Transfer of oxybutynin topical gel to another person can occur when vigorous skin-to-skin contact is made with the application site.
Urinary retention
Because risk may be increased, use with caution.
Overdosage
Symptoms
Agitation, cardiac arrhythmia, CNS excitation, coma, dehydration, dilated pupils, disorientation, dry skin, flushing, fever, memory loss, nausea, tachycardia, respiratory depression, stupor, urinary retention, vomiting.
Patient Information
- Instruct patient to take sips of water frequently, suck on ice chips or sugarless hard candy, or chew sugarless gum if dry mouth occurs.
- Teach patient to use bladder massage to empty bladder.
- Advise patient to use caution in hot weather to reduce risk of heat stroke.
- Advise patient that drug may cause drowsiness or dizziness, and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness.
- Advise patient to take oxybutynin ER tablet whole with liquids and not to chew, divide, or crush.
- Inform patient not to be concerned if noticing a tablet in the stool; the tablet shell is eliminated from the body but the drug is released from the tablet at a controlled rate.
- Transdermal system
- Advise patient to review the patient information leaflet that comes with each prescription before using the first time and with each refill.
- Ensure that patient understands how to store, apply, and discard patches.
- Advise patient that new patch is applied twice/wk (eg, every 3 to 4 days) and to rotate application sites to avoid reapplication to the same site within 7 days.
- Advise patient that if patch comes off before scheduled replacement, to discard and apply new patch to new application site and establish new reapplication schedule.
- Advise patient to notify health care provider if application-site reactions occur and are bothersome or occur with each application.
- Topical gel
- Advise patients that this product is alcohol-based and to avoid open fire or smoking until gel has dried.
- Advise patients not to apply gel to areas of the skin that have been treated with oils, lotions, or powder because the absorption of the product through the skin may be affected. However, the product may be used with sunscreen.
- Advise patients to contact their health care provider if continued itching, rash, or redness occurs.
- Advise patients that the approved application sites for the product are abdomen, upper arms/shoulder, and thigh.
- Advise patients to avoid contact with eyes, nose, open sores, recently shaved skin, and skin with rashes or other areas not approved for application of the product.
- Inform patients that it is recommended that the approved application site be changed with each dose.
- Instruct patients to wash the application site and their hands with soap and water before applying product.
- Instruct patients to avoid bathing, swimming, showering, exercising or immersing the application site in water for 1 h after application.
- Instruct patients that the application site may be covered with clothing once the gel has dried.
- Advise patients that if the gel gets in their eyes, to rinse their eyes immediately with warm, clean water to flush out any gel and to seek medical attention if needed.
Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health.
More Oxybutynin Chloride resources
- Oxybutynin Chloride Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Oxybutynin Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Anturol gel MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Anturol Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Anturol Consumer Overview
- Ditropan Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Ditropan MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Ditropan Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Ditropan Consumer Overview
- Ditropan XL Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Ditropan XL extended-release tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Gelnique Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Gelnique gel MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Gelnique Consumer Overview
- Oxytrol Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Oxytrol system MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Oxytrol Consumer Overview




