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General Information

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Use

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Oxybutynin transdermal patches are used to treat an overactive bladder (a bladder condition that causes sudden urges to urinate that may be hard to control). Oxybutynin is in a class of medications called antimuscarinics. It works by relaxing the bladder muscles.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Transdermal oxybutynin comes as a patch to apply to the skin. Apply twice each week (every 3-4 days). Apply transdermal oxybutynin on the same 2 days of the week every week. To help you remember to apply your patches on the right days, mark the calendar on the back of your package of medication.

Use transdermal oxybutynin exactly as directed. Do not apply the patches more often than prescribed by your doctor.

You can apply oxybutynin patches on your stomach, hips, or buttocks, but not on your waistline. Choose an area that is comfortable, not rubbed by tight clothing, and covered by clothing to protect it from the sun. Do not put the patch on the same spot more than once a week. Avoid putting it on skin that has cuts, rashes, folds, or that's oily or irritated. Don't use lotion, oil, or powder on the skin before applying the patch. Make sure the skin is clean and dry.

Do not cut or divide the patch into pieces. Do not use if it is damaged.

Keep the oxybutynin patch on until it is time to change it. If the patch loosens or falls off, try to press it back in place with your fingers. If the patch cannot be pressed back on, discard it and apply a fresh patch to a different area. Still change the patch on your regular schedule.

You may bathe, swim, shower, or exercise with an oxybutynin patch on. Avoid rubbing the patch and do not soak in a hot tub for a long period of time while wearing a patch.

Transdermal oxybutynin controls the symptoms of overactive bladder but does not cure the condition. Continue to take transdermal oxybutynin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking transdermal oxybutynin without talking to your doctor.

To use the patches, follow these steps:

  1. Open the protective pouch and remove the patch.
  2. Peel the first piece of liner off the sticky side of the patch. A second strip of liner should remain stuck to the patch.
  3. Press the patch firmly onto your skin with the sticky side down. Be careful not to touch the sticky side with your fingers.
  4. Bend the patch in half and use your fingertips to roll the remaining part of the patch onto your skin. The second liner strip should fall off of the patch when you do this.
  5. Press firmly on the surface of the patch to attach it tightly to your skin.
  6. When you are ready to remove a patch, peel it off slowly and gently. Fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together and discard it safely, in a way that is out of reach of children and pets. Children and pets can be harmed if they chew on, play with, or wear used patches.
  7. Wash the area that was under the patch with mild soap and warm water to remove any residue. If necessary, you can use baby oil or a medical adhesive removal pad to remove residue that will not come off with soap and water. Do not use alcohol, nail polish remover, or other solvents.
  8. Apply a new patch to a different area immediately by following steps 1-5.

Are there OTHER USES for this medication?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before using transdermal oxybutynin,

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Talk to your doctor about drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Remove the old patch and apply a new patch to a different spot as soon as you remember it. Replace the new patch on your next scheduled patch change day. Do not apply two patches to make up for a missed dose and never wear more than one patch at a time.

Side Effects

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Transdermal oxybutynin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

Transdermal oxybutynin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Overdose

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

Storage

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the patches in their protective pouches and do not open a pouch until you are ready to apply the patch. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Miscellaneous

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS® Patient Medication Information Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: September 15, 2025.