Oxytrol
Oxytrol (oxybutynin) is a patch that's applied onto the skin. It's an anticholinergic medication that helps with bladder control in men with urinary incontinence (overactive bladder). The patch is applied every 3 or 4 days. Some of the most common side effects are itchiness where the patch is applied and dry mouth.
Note: Oxytrol (oxybutynin) that's approved for men is available by prescription only. There's also an over-the-counter version called Oxytrol for Women specifically for women.
What is Oxytrol (oxybutynin)?
What is Oxytrol (oxybutynin) used for?
Overactive bladder in men
How Oxytrol (oxybutynin) works
Oxytrol (oxybutynin) is an anticholinergic medication. It's also known as an antimuscarinic.
Oxytrol (oxybutynin) works by blocking a chemical in the body called acetylcholine from attaching to muscarinic receptors in the bladder. By blocking acetylcholine from getting to these receptors, the medication helps your bladder muscles relax. This helps with bladder control and helps lower the urge or need to urinate.
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What are the side effects of Oxytrol (oxybutynin)?
Common Side Effects
- 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
- Severe skin reaction near the patch: severe itchiness, severe redness, blisters
- Side effects related to the nervous system: confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there)
- Severe swelling (angioedema): swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing
Source: DailyMed
More on Oxytrol (oxybutynin) side effects
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
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.
Pros and cons of Oxytrol (oxybutynin)
Pros
Might have fewer side effects than oxybutynin tablets
Applied every 3 or 4 days
Can still take a bath, go swimming, shower, or exercise while you're wearing the patch
Cons
Can cause skin irritation where the patch is placed
Not approved for women or children
Not available as a lower-cost generic
Pharmacist tips for Oxytrol (oxybutynin)
Your skin might get irritated, itchy, or red where you apply Oxytrol (oxybutynin). But stop the medication and contact your prescriber if you notice severe redness, itchiness, or blistering. Severe reactions can mean that your skin can't tolerate the patches, so you'll probably need to switch to a different medication.
Oxytrol (oxybutynin) can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and changes in vision. Don't drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medication affects you.
It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking Oxytrol (oxybutynin) because alcohol can worsen sleepiness.
Stay hydrated while you're taking Oxytrol (oxybutynin). This can help with dry mouth from the medication. It 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. Your body can't cool itself down as well if you sweat less.
Apply 1 Oxytrol (oxybutynin) patch onto the skin every 3 or 4 days. When you place a new patch on, make sure to take off the used one first. Only wear 1 patch at any time.
Don't cut the patch in half or into smaller pieces. This can cause too much medication to get released into your body at one time, which can cause serious side effects. Talk to your prescriber if you're having trouble finding a place on your body to apply the entire patch.
How to apply Oxytrol (oxybutynin): Remove the first piece of the patch's protective liner. Place the patch, sticky-side down, onto the skin. Roll it into place to remove the second piece of the protective liner. Be careful not to touch the sticky side of the patch. Otherwise, it could make the patch stick less well onto the skin. Gently press your hand over the patch to make sure it sticks.
Where to apply Oxytrol (oxybutynin): Apply the patch onto your stomach, hips, or buttocks. Wear it under loose clothing to protect it from sunlight. Avoid the waistline area to prevent any clothing from rubbing against the patch. Place each new patch on a different area of the body to help prevent skin irritation. Don't use the same spot within 7 days.
Make sure the skin where you apply Oxytrol (oxybutynin) is clean, dry, and smooth (fold-free). Don't place the patch on skin that's irritated or damaged with cuts or scrapes. Also don't apply on skin that you just put oils, lotions, or powders onto.
If your patch starts to fall off or has fallen off, try pressing it back onto the skin in the same spot. If the patch doesn't stay on or if you forget to change it after 3 or 4 days, throw it away and replace it with a new patch on a different area of skin. Continue with your normal patch replacement schedule.
Slowly peel the patch off your skin to remove it. Then, fold it in half so the sticky sides come together. Throw the folded patch in a trash bin where children and pets can't reach. The used patch still has some medication in it, and it can be harmful for children and pets if the medication accidentally gets on their skin or in their mouth.
Frequently asked questions about Oxytrol (oxybutynin)
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What are the risks and warnings for Oxytrol (oxybutynin)?
Oxytrol (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.
Caution for people with digestive system problems
Oxytrol (oxybutynin) can slow down movement in the gut. This can lead to or worsen serious problems, like severe inflammation and swelling of the colon. It's also possible for certain digestive problems to affect the esophagus. Let your primary care provider know if you have any problems with the digestive system, like ulcerative colitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Also tell your prescriber if you take medications that can irritate the esophagus (like those for osteoporosis called bisphosphonates). Your care team can check that Oxytrol (oxybutynin) is safe for you.
Side effects related to the nervous system
Risk factors: Taking other medications that cause nervous system side effects
Oxytrol (oxybutynin) can cause sleepiness, dizziness, headache, and confusion. It might also cause hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real). Let your healthcare team know if you have any of these side effects while you're taking the medication, especially if they affect your usual daily activities. Don't drive or do any activities that require a lot of attention until you know how Oxytrol (oxybutynin) makes you feel.
Be sure your healthcare team knows about the other medications you take or plan to take. Taking Oxytrol (oxybutynin) with other medications that can make you tired can cause side effects like sleepiness and dizziness to be more intense. This can raise your risk for falls and other accidents.
Swelling of the face and possible breathing problems (angioedema)
Some people who took oxybutynin as an oral tablet have experienced an uncommon, but serious side effect called angioedema. It can appear as swelling in different parts of the body, including the face, throat, tongue, and around the eyes. Swelling of the tongue or throat area can be life-threatening, since it can make it hard to breathe. Go to the emergency room right away if you suddenly can't breathe, notice swelling around your face or throat, or notice unusual swelling in any part of your body.
Worsening of myasthenia gravis
People with an autoimmune condition called myasthenia gravis should avoid taking Oxytrol (oxybutynin). It's possible that the medication can worsen symptoms. Stop taking Oxytrol (oxybutynin) and call the specialist for your myasthenia gravis if you experience worsening symptoms or flareups while you're taking this medication.
Oxytrol (oxybutynin) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Oxytrol (oxybutynin)
Each patch provides 3.9 mg of oxybutynin per day.
Apply 1 patch to dry, intact skin on your stomach, hips, or buttocks every 3 or 4 days. Be sure to take off the used patch before you put on a new one.
More on Oxytrol (oxybutynin) dosage forms
Interactions between Oxytrol (oxybutynin) and other drugs
More on Oxytrol (oxybutynin) interactions
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.
- Bupropion
- Clozapine
- Donepezil
- Glucagon
- Glycopyrrolate
- Glycopyrronium Tosylate
- Methacholine
- Quetiapine
- Revefenacin
- Scopolamine
- Secretin Human
- Tiotropium
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.
How much does Oxytrol (oxybutynin) cost?
Oxytrol (oxybutynin) contraindications
Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
Can't urinate or completely empty your bladder (urinary retention), such as with an enlarged prostate
Stomach or intestinal blockage
What are alternatives to Oxytrol (oxybutynin)?
Overactive bladder (OAB) in adults
Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in children ages 3 years and older
What is the latest news about Oxytrol (oxybutynin)?
Oxytrol (oxybutynin) images
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References
Best studies we foundAllergan, Inc. (2024). Oxytrol- oxybutynin patch [package insert]. DailyMed.
Cohn, J. A., et al. (2016). An update on the use of transdermal oxybutynin in the management of overactive bladder disorder. Therapeutic Advances in Urology.
Fernandez, J., et al. (2024). Angioedema. Merck Manual Consumer Version.
López-Álvarez, J., et al. (2019). Anticholinergic drugs in geriatric psychopharmacology. Frontiers in Neuroscience.
MedlinePlus. (2024). Urinary incontinence.
National Institute of Diabetes and DIgestive and Kidney Diseases. (2019). Definition & facts of urinary retention.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2024). Myasthenia gravis.
Sam, C., et al. (2023). Physiology, acetylcholine. StatPearls.
Vozmediano-Chicarro, R., et al. (2020). Insights into the management of overactive bladder with transdermal oxybutynin: A practical review. Research and Reports in Urology.
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