Oxybutynin Gel

Gelnique® (oxybutynin) treats the symptoms of an overactive bladder like a loss of bladder control. It works by relaxing your bladder muscles. You can apply this gel on your skin. Don’t get the area where you applied the gel wet for at least one hour after application.

What is this medication?

OXYBUTYNIN (ox i BYOO ti nin) treats symptoms of an overactive bladder, such as loss of bladder control or frequent need to urinate. It works by relaxing muscles in the bladder. It belongs to a group of medications called antispasmodics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gelnique

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Autonomic neuropathy
  • Dementia
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Glaucoma
  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Parkinson's disease
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to oxybutynin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for use on the skin. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying. Apply to clean, dry, unbroken skin on the abdomen, upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Rub gel gently into the skin until it dries. When you apply the gel, use a new area of skin every day. Do not bathe, swim, exercise or get the area wet for 1 hour after applying the gel. If you are applying sunscreen, do so 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after applying this medication. Avoid fire, flames, or smoking until the area has dried. Allow the area to dry before putting on clothing. Do not use more often than directed. Do not stop using except on your care team's advice.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
  • Atropine
  • Certain medications for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
  • Certain medications for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
  • Certain medications for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
  • Certain medications for travel sickness like scopolamine
  • Clarithromycin
  • Erythromycin
  • Ipratropium
  • Medications for fungal infections, like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole or voriconazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

It may take a few weeks to notice the full benefit from this medication.

You may need to limit your intake of tea, coffee, caffeinated sodas, and alcohol. These drinks may make your symptoms worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye care professional if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Avoid extreme heat. This medication can cause you to sweat less than normal. Your body temperature could increase to dangerous levels, which may lead to heat stroke.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
  • Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
  • Trouble passing urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Confusion
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture and humidity. Do not open gel packet until you are ready to use it. Throw away unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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