Oxytrol

Drug Uses

Oxytrol is an anticholinergic that is used to treat the various symptoms of bladder problems urinary urgency, frequency, or leakage, loss of bladder control, and painful urination. It is also used to cure the symptoms of detrusor muscle hyperactivity in children below 6 years of age.

How it is taken

Oxytrol comes as a patch that must be applied on your body. Please read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine carefully. Once you are ready to apply the patch on your body, only then open the pack. Clean and dry an area on your stomach, hips or buttocks. Apply the patch and press firmly to ensure that it stays on. One patch can be used for 3 to 4 days. So the ideal dosage is two patches a week unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Apply your next patch on a different area on your body to avoid getting skin irritation.

Wear it under your clothing to protect from sunlight. Also do not use it in areas where you will apply lotion, powder or other cosmetics.

If the area around the patch becomes red, itchy, or irritated, try a new site. If irritation continues or becomes worse, notify your doctor promptly.

Once you are done with a patch, remove it, stick the two sticky sides together and dispose it off well so that no one else can use it.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Oxytrol has a dual mechanism in which it blocks the release of acetylcholine and suppresses involuntary contractions of the bladders smooth muscle. It also relaxes the outer muscle of the bladder.

Missed Dosage

If you remove to replace the patch on the day that it should be replaced, then remove it as soon as you remember and continue with your usual dosage.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

Warnings/Precautions

Oxytrol may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

Oxytrol reduces the sweating mechanism of the body and hence you must ensure that you do not get overheated in hot weather or by doing exercise or other activities.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Oxytrol and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Oxytrol is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Oxytrol should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

It has been noted that elderly patients are more sensitive to the side effects of Oxytrol. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.
 

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of xytrol are include skin redness, itching, or irritation at the application site; dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, blurred vision, or constipation. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

If you use Oxytrol with other drugs with anticholinergic effects including diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), scopolamine (Trans-Scop), benztropine (Cogentin), disopyramide (Norpace), thioridazine (Mellaril), and amitriptyline (Elavil) it will lead to anticholinergic side effects like dry mouth, constipation, confusion, blurred vision, urinary retention (the inability to urinate) and an increased heart rate or palpitations.

Other severe side effects include weakness, vision problems, or symptoms of urinary infection (urinary burning, frequent urination), including eye pain, difficulty urinating, severe stomach pain, chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, fever, mental/mood changes, flushing hot or dry skin, rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.