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.
Overactive bladder (OAB)
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.
Source:Â DailyMed
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
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:
Less common
Back pain
bloated feeling
changes in vision
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.
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)
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
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.
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 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).
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.
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 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.
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.
Gelnique (oxybutynin) is alcohol-based and can easily catch fire. Avoid smoking or getting close to open fire until the gel is completely dry.
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.
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.
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.
Urinary retention (cannot empty bladder fully)
Gastric retention (cannot empty the stomach fully)
Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
Overactive bladder
Incontinence in children due to a neurologic (brain) condition, such as spina bifida
Overactive bladder (OAB) in adults
Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in children ages 3 years and older
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