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Oxytrol for Women

oxybutynin
Used for Overactive Bladder
Used for Overactive Bladder

Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) is an over-the-counter anticholinergic medication. It's a patch that's applied onto the skin and is used to treat urinary incontinence (overactive bladder) in women. The patch is applied every 4 days. Common side effects include itchiness and redness where you placed the patch on the skin and dry mouth.

Note: Oxytrol for Women is specifically for women. There's a prescription-only version for men called Oxytrol.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 30, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin)?

What is Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) used for?

How Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) works

Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) is an anticholinergic medication. It's also known as an antimuscarinic.

Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) works by blocking a chemical in the body called acetylcholine from attaching to muscarinic receptors in the bladder. This causes your bladder muscles to relax, which helps with bladder control and lowering the urge or need to urinate.

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

Drug Facts

Common BrandsOxytrol for Women
Drug ClassAnticholinergic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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$54.370
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What are the side effects of Oxytrol for Women (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

The side effects listed were reported by people taking the prescription version, Oxytrol:
  • Itchiness around where the patch is placed (17%)
  • Dry mouth (10%)
  • Skin redness around where the patch is placed (6%)

Other Side Effects

  • Bumpy skin around where the patch is placed
  • Diarrhea
  • Painful urination
  • Constipation
  • Abnormal vision
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe skin reaction near the patch: severe itchiness, severe redness, blisters
  • Severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing
  • Side effects related to the nervous system: confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there)

Source: DailyMed

More on Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) side effects

Medication Education: side effects oxybutynin

7 Oxybutynin Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Written by Mandeep Sohal, PharmD

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 Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin)

thumbs-up

Pros

Available over the counter

Applied every 4 days

Typically has less side effects than oxybutynin pills that are taken by mouth

thumbs-down

Cons

Might have skin irritation and itching

Not meant to be used by men or children

Not available as a lower-cost generic

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin)

pharmacist

  • Talk to a healthcare professional before you use Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) if you have symptoms of diabetes (e.g., feeling very thirsty or hungry), unexplained weight loss, or liver or kidney problems. It's possible that frequent urination is a symptom of other health problems besides overactive bladder.

    • Don't use Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) without talking to your primary care provider first if you're currently taking other prescription medications for overactive bladder, antibiotics, or antifungal medications. Taking certain types of these medications with Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) can raise the risk for side effects.

      • Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) can make you dizzy, sleepy, and confused. It might also cause blurry vision. Don't drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medication affects you.

        • It's best not to drink alcohol while you're using Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin). Alcohol can worsen side effects like dizziness and sleepiness.

          • Stay hydrated while you're taking Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) to help with dry mouth from the medication. Drinking water also helps prevent your body from overheating easily (especially when it's hot). This medication can cause your body to make less saliva and sweat. Sweating less makes it hard for your body to cool down.

            • Stop using Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) and contact your primary care provider if your overactive bladder symptoms don't improve after 2 weeks, if they worsen, or if you have any new symptoms. Also let your primary care provider know if you feel that you can't empty your bladder. They can examine you and see what's going on.

              • Stop using Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) and get medical help if you have severe redness, itchiness, or blistering where you put the patch. Also get medical help right away if you have any other allergic reaction (e.g., trouble breathing).

                How to use Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin):

                • Apply 1 Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) patch onto the skin every 4 days. Place each new patch on a different area of the body to help prevent skin irritation. Don't wear more than 1 patch at a time.

                  • How to apply Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin): Apply the sticky side of the patch onto the skin at your stomach, hips, or buttocks. Press your hand over the patch so it sticks well. Wear the patch under your clothes so it's protected from light.

                    • Make sure the skin where you stick Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) onto is clean, dry, and smooth. Don't apply the patch onto skin that's irritated, damaged with cuts or scrapes, or oily. Also don't place the patch onto skin that has oils, lotions, or powders on it because the patch might not stick well.

                      • If your Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) patch falls off, you can try to press it back onto the same spot on the skin. But if the patch doesn't stay on at all, replace it with a new patch on a different area of skin. Continue with your normal patch replacement schedule.

                        • When you take off the patch, slowly peel it off from the skin and fold it in half so the sticky sides come together. Throw the folded patch in a trash bin where children and pets can't get into. Used patches still contain medication that can be harmful for children and pets if it accidentally gets on their skin or in their mouth.

                          faqs

                          Frequently asked questions about Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin)

                          How well does Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) patch work?
                          In a small clinical study, people who used oxybutynin patches had on average about 5 fewer bathroom accidents per day after 6 weeks of treatment. These results were similar between people who used oxybutynin patches and people who took oxybuytnin tablets. Keep in mind that each person can have different results while they're using Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin). Follow up with your primary care provider if you have questions about how well the medication is working for you.
                          How long does it take for Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) patch to work?
                          Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) should start to control overactive bladder within two weeks, especially when it's used together with lifestyle changes, if you use the medication as directed (applying 1 patch every 4 days). Lifestyle changes can include bladder training and pelvic floor exercises. Keep in mind that everyone can have a different experience with Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin). Talk to your primary care provider if you're concerned with how long it's taking the medication to improve your bladder control.
                          Can men use Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin)?
                          The manufacturer made Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) specifically for women with overactive bladder, not men. The reason could be that men with bladder problems need to get examined by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious causes, such as prostate issues. Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) was made available over-the-counter for women because studies show that women could correctly point out symptoms of overactive bladder, understand safety issues with the medication, and properly decide whether it's appropriate for them without needing a healthcare professional.
                          Where do you apply Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) patch?
                          Apply the Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) patch to the stomach, hip, or buttocks area. Put each new patch on a different area of the body when you're replacing it to help prevent skin irritation. Place the patch onto clean, dry, and smooth skin. Avoid sticking the patch on any skin that's irritated, oily, or damaged with cuts or scrapes. Also avoid any areas of skin that you applied oil, lotion, or powder to so that the patch sticks well.
                          Can you cut the Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) patch?
                          Don't cut the Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) patch into smaller pieces. Too much medication can get released from the patch and into your body at one time, which can lead to serious side effects. Talk to your primary care provider if you can't find a place on your body where the entire patch fits.
                          Where can you buy Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin)?
                          Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) is available over the counter, which means that you can buy it at a local pharmacy (if it's in stock). Ask the pharmacy to help you find the medication in the store if you can't find it on your own.
                          Does Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) come in pill form?
                          Oxybutynin, the active ingredient in Oxytrol For Women, also comes in pill form that's taken by mouth. The pill form comes as an immediate-release and an extended-release version. The immediate-release pill is taken 3 or 4 times per day and the extended-release pill is taken once per day. In comparison, Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) is a patch that's worn on the skin and replaced every 4 days. Oxybutynin pills are available as lower-cost generics but require a prescription. Oppositely, Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) is a brand-name medication only but is found over the counter. Speak with your primary care provider about which form of oxybutynin is best for you.
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                          What are the risks and warnings for Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin)?

                          Oxytrol for Women (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

                          Side effects related to the nervous system

                          • Risk factors: Taking other medications that cause nervous system side effects

                            Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and confusion. These side effects can be more intense if you drink alcohol while you're taking Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin). They can also be worse if you take Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) with other medications that can make you tired, such as certain antihistamines and muscle relaxers.

                            Let your primary care provider know if you have any sleepiness, dizziness, or confusion that negatively affect your usual daily activities while you're taking Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin). Don't drive or do any activities that require a lot of attention until you know how Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) makes you feel.

                            dosage

                            Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) dosage forms

                            The average cost for 16 patches of 3.9mg of Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) is $54.37 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
                            patch
                            Patch
                            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                            3.9mg16 patches$54.37$3.40

                            Typical dosing for Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin)

                            Each patch provides 3.9 mg of oxybutynin per day.

                            Apply 1 patch to dry, clean skin on your stomach, hips, or buttocks every 4 days. Make sure that you take off the used patch before you apply a new one onto the skin.

                            interactions

                            Interactions between Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) and other drugs

                            Oxytrol for Women (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 Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                            More on Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) interactions

                            Oxybutynin: drug interaction oxybutynin

                            6 Oxybutynin Interactions: Benadryl, Metoclopramide, and More

                            Written by Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

                            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.

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                            How much does Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) cost?

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                            Oxytrol for Women (brand)
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                            contraindications-icon

                            Oxytrol for Women (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 Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin) will not be safe for you to take.

                            • Have signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as pain or burning when urinating, bloody urine, unexplained lower back pain or side pain, cloudy or foul-smelling urine

                            • Only have bathroom accidents when you cough, sneeze, or laugh

                            • Male

                            • Younger than 18 years old

                            • Glaucoma

                            • Can't urinate or completely empty your bladder (urinary retention), such as with an enlarged prostate

                            • Stomach or intestinal blockage

                            alternatives

                            What are alternatives to Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin)?

                            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                            Oxytrol for Women (oxybutynin)
                            Used for:
                            $54.37 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            Gelnique (oxybutynin)
                            Used for:

                            • Overactive bladder (OAB)

                            $406.21 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            Solifenacin (Vesicare)
                            Used for:
                            $14.75 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                            References

                            Best studies we found

                            Allergan, Inc. (2024). Oxytrol for women- oxybutynin patch [package insert]. DailyMed.

                            Allergan, Inc. (2024). Oxytrol- oxybutynin patch [package insert]. DailyMed.

                            Davila, G. W., et al. (2001). A short-term, multicenter, randomized double-blind dose titration study of the efficacy and anticholinergic side effects of transdermal compared to immediate release oral oxybutynin treatment of patients with urge urinary incontinence. The Journal of Urology.

                            View All References (7)

                            Dull, P., et al. (2004). Transdermal oxybutynin (Oxytrol) for urinary incontinence. American Family Physician.

                            Leron, E., et al. (2018). Overactive bladder syndrome: Evaluation and management. Current Urology.

                            Merck & Co., Inc. (2013). FDA approves OXYTROL® FOR WOMEN, the first over-the-counter treatment for overactive bladder in women.

                            Merck & Co., Inc. (2013). OXYTROL® FOR WOMEN, the first over-the-counter treatment for overactive bladder in women, now available nationwide.

                            National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2019). Definition & facts of urinary retention.

                            Sam, C., et al. (2023). Physiology, acetylcholine. StatPearls.

                            Wyman, J. F., et al. (2009). Practical aspects of lifestyle modifications and behavioural interventions in the treatment of overactive bladder and urgency urinary incontinence. International Journal of Clinical Practice.

                            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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