provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content

Gelnique

oxybutynin
Used for Overactive Bladder
Used for Overactive Bladder

Gelnique (oxybutynin) is a gel version of one of the most commonly used medications for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). The gel can spread to other people through close skin-to-skin contact if not careful, and it can cause irritating skin reactions.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 30, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Gelnique (oxybutynin)?

What is Gelnique (oxybutynin) used for?

  • Overactive bladder (OAB)

How Gelnique (oxybutynin) works

Gelnique (oxybutynin) is an anticholinergic and antimuscarinic medication that relaxes the muscles in your bladder. Relaxed bladder muscles have fewer spasms, and this lowers your need to urinate.

Are you looking for information on oxybutynin (Ditropan) oral tablets or oxybutynin (Oxytrol) topical patch instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsGelnique
Drug ClassAnticholinergic / Antimuscarinic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$470.94(save 86.15%)
GoodRx discount
$65.21
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Gelnique (oxybutynin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Dry mouth (8%)
  • Urinary tract infection (7%)
  • Skin reactions where medication is placed (itchy skin, bumps on the skin, red skin, irritated skin; 5%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (cough, sore throat; 5%)
  • Dizziness (3%)
  • Common cold (3%)

Other Side Effects

  • Feeling low energy
  • Headache
  • Stomach flu
  • Constipation
  • Itching

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bladder pain

blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin

bloody or cloudy urine

burning, skin rash, swelling, soreness, redness, pain, itching, or irritation at the application site

cracked, dry, or scaly skin

difficult, burning, or painful urination

frequent urge to urinate

lower back or side pain

unusually warm skin

Less common

Diarrhea

loss of appetite

nausea

stomach pain

weakness

Incidence not known

Confusion as to time, place, or person

holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Body aches or pain

chills

cough

difficulty with breathing

ear congestion

headache

loss of voice

nasal congestion

runny nose

sneezing

sore throat

Less common

Back pain

bloated feeling

changes in vision

constipation

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

feeling of fullness

muscle aches

passing gas

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

Incidence not known

Forgetfulness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Gelnique (oxybutynin)

thumbs-up

Pros

Fewer side effects than the oral version of this medication (oxybutynin (Ditropan))

Only need to apply once a day

Comes as convenient, single-dose packets (sachets)

thumbs-down

Cons

Can spread to other people and cause side effects if there's close skin-to-skin contact

Can cause skin irritation around where the medication is applied

Can be expensive, since it's only available as a brand medication

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Gelnique (oxybutynin)

pharmacist

  • Make sure the skin you are applying Gelnique (oxybutynin) to is clean and dry. Be careful not to apply it over cuts, open wounds, or an area of skin that you've recently shaved. Doing this can raise your risk of side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth.

    • Since Gelnique (oxybutynin) can make you dizzy or tired, avoid driving or doing any activities that require a lot of concentration until you know how this medication affects you.

      • Apply Gelnique (oxybutynin) to your stomach, upper arms, shoulders, or thighs once a day. Rotate where you apply the gel every day to prevent skin irritation. It's best to use it on an area that will be covered by clothing, as it's possible for the gel to transfer to another person and cause them to have side effects if they touch your skin after the medication has been applied. Wash your hands right after applying Gelnique (oxybutynin) on your skin to prevent accidental transfer of medication to another person.

        • Don't shower, swim, or take a bath less than one hour after applying Gelnique (oxybutynin). It's okay to do these things after an hour has passed.

          • You can apply sunscreen if you need to use it while you're using Gelnique (oxybutynin). Just make sure to apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before or after Gelnique (oxybutynin) to make sure each product absorbs into your skin properly.

            • Gelnique (oxybutynin) is only meant to be used on the skin. Don't ingest (swallow) this gel medication.

              • Gelnique (oxybutynin) contains alcohol and is flammable (easily set on fire). Avoid open flames and smoking until the gel is completely dried. Store your container in a cool, dry place away from heat.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Gelnique (oxybutynin)

                How quickly does Gelnique (oxybutynin) work to relieve my overactive bladder symptoms?
                It can take up to a week of using Gelnique (oxybutynin) every day for the medication to reach a steady level in the blood and for you to feel its full effects. Effects of the medication start to wear off after 24 hours, which is why you need to apply it once a day for it to work.
                Can I shower after applying Gelnique (oxybutynin) gel?
                You can shower one hour after applying Gelnique (oxybutynin); it won't affect how much medication gets into your system. Researchers didn't study whether it's okay to shower less than an hour after applying it, so just wait to be safe.
                Does Gelnique (oxybutynin) still come as a pump medication?
                The Gelnique Pump has been discontinued in the United States. It's unclear why Allergan discontinued this version, but Gelnique (oxybutynin) gel packets contain the same active ingredient.
                Can Gelnique (oxybutynin) spread to someone else if I touch them?
                Yes, Gelnique (oxybutynin) can spread to other people with vigorous skin-to-skin contact (more than just a light touch). If you're going to have close skin-to-skin contact with another person, make sure you're wearing clothing over the medicated area to avoid transferring Gelnique (oxybutynin) to the other person and causing them to have side effects.
                Can I drink alcohol while using Gelnique (oxybutynin)?
                Anticholinergic medications like Gelnique (oxybutynin) can make you tired and drowsy. Drinking alcohol can make the drowsiness worse, which can make activities like driving very dangerous.
                GoodRxEducationalIcon

                How to save using GoodRx

                Compare Prices
                1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                Select your free coupon
                2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                Show coupon to your pharmacist
                3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                Get free couponLearn more
                warings-icon

                What are the risks and warnings for Gelnique (oxybutynin)?

                Gelnique (oxybutynin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Worsening of other conditions

                • Risk factors: Bladder or gut blockage | Ulcerative colitis (UC) | Taking bisphosphonates | Myasthenia gravis

                  Because of how this medication works and its possible side effects (e.g., difficulty urinating, difficulty emptying contents from your stomach), Gelnique (oxybutynin) can make symptoms of other medical conditions worse. For this reason, it should be used carefully if you have trouble urinating, certain conditions that affect your stomach and intestines (e.g., ulcerative colitis, acid reflux), or myasthenia gravis (a nerve condition). Taking bisphosphonate medications for bone loss with Gelnique (oxybutynin) can also worsen digestive tract issues, since bisphosphonates can cause or worsen throat problems. Make sure your provider knows your full medical history before you start Gelnique (oxybutynin).

                  risk-warning

                  Swelling of face, lips, or tongue (angioedema)

                  Although it's more common with oral oxybutynin tablets, angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or other organs) can happen at any time while you're using Gelnique (oxybutynin). This can make it difficult to breathe in more serious cases. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any head or neck swelling that doesn't go away.

                  risk-warning

                  Skin sensitivity

                  In a clinical study, 1 out of 200 people developed skin hypersensitivity (intolerance) to Gelnique (oxybutynin). If you notice severe skin changes shortly after applying this medication, stop using it and contact your provider.

                  risk-warning

                  Hallucinations, drowsiness, and confusion

                  • Risk factors: Using more Gelnique (oxybutynin) than prescribed

                    Gelnique (oxybutynin) can cause side effects like confusion, drowsiness, and hallucinations. These side effects usually happen when you first start using this medication. Tell your provider if you notice any of these side effects, as you might need to use less Gelnique (oxybutynin) or a different medication.

                    risk-warning

                    Spread by skin-to-skin contact

                    Gelnique (oxybutynin) can spread to another person through vigorous skin-to-skin contact where you applied the medication. If you're going to have bare skin-to-skin contact with another person, make sure you're wearing clothing over the medicated area so that you don't transfer the medication to the other person and cause them to have side effects.

                    risk-warning

                    Flammable

                    Gelnique (oxybutynin) is alcohol-based and can easily catch fire. Avoid smoking or getting close to open fire until the gel is completely dry.

                    dosage

                    Gelnique (oxybutynin) dosage forms

                    The average cost for 1 carton of 30 packets of 10% of Gelnique (oxybutynin) is $406.21 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 13.75% off the average retail price of $470.94.
                    carton
                    Carton
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    30 packets of 10%1 carton$406.21$406.21
                    packet
                    Packet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    1g of 10%1 packet$65.21$65.21

                    Typical dosing for Gelnique (oxybutynin)

                    Apply 1 packet of gel to your stomach, upper arms, shoulders, or thighs once daily. Apply the gel to a different area of the body each time.

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Gelnique (oxybutynin) and other drugs

                    Gelnique (oxybutynin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Gelnique (oxybutynin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                    • Potassium

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    drug-cost

                    How much does Gelnique (oxybutynin) cost?

                    To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                    Gelnique (brand)
                    GoodRx lowest price

                    $65.21

                    (save 86.15%)
                    View prices & coupons
                    contraindications-icon

                    Gelnique (oxybutynin) contraindications

                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Gelnique (oxybutynin) will not be safe for you to take.

                    • Urinary retention (cannot empty bladder fully)

                    • Gastric retention (cannot empty the stomach fully)

                    • Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma

                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Gelnique (oxybutynin)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Gelnique (oxybutynin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Gelnique (oxybutynin)
                    Used for:

                    • Overactive bladder (OAB)

                    $65.21 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Oxybutynin
                    Used for:

                    • Overactive bladder

                    • Incontinence in children due to a neurologic (brain) condition, such as spina bifida

                    $8.50 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Myrbetriq (mirabegron)
                    Used for:
                    $380.63 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

                    Get savings updates for Gelnique (oxybutynin)

                    Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Gelnique (oxybutynin) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                    By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                    Browse medications

                    View All

                    Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.