Do you also have to run to the bathroom several times a day? Or do you feel uncomfortable when you suddenly need to urinate? This is a condition that many people have, medically known as 'Overactive Bladder'. This problem can make even daily activities very difficult. So today we are talking about a skin-thickening gel that doctors recommend as a solution to this.
What is Oxybutynin Gel?
Simply put, Oxybutynin is a medication that helps control the symptoms of your overactive bladder. It comes as a gel, so all you have to do is rub it into your skin.
This mainly controls:
- Needing to urinate frequently.
- Loss of bladder control.
This medicine works by relaxing the muscles in your bladder. This reduces the frequency of bladder contractions and helps control the frequent need to urinate. This medicine belongs to a class of medicines called ``Antispasmodics''.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before you start using Oxybutynin Gel, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking, as this medication may not be suitable for use with certain medical conditions.
| Let us know if you have these conditions. | Description |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma condition | A condition of increased eye pressure. |
| Difficulty urinating | Having any obstruction or difficulty in passing urine. |
| Kidney or liver disease | If you have any kidney or liver disease. |
| Intestinal problems | Conditions such as intestinal obstruction. |
| Myasthenia gravis | A disease that causes muscle weakness. |
| Dementia or Parkinson's disease | Memory or neurological conditions. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to Oxybutynin or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a nursing mother. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to know how to use it correctly.
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the gel.
2. Choose a suitable area: Apply this to clean, dry skin that is free of any wounds or cuts. Areas like the stomach, shoulders, upper arms, and thighs are suitable for this.
3. Apply the gel: Rub the gel gently until it is absorbed into the skin and dries.
4. Change the spot: This is very important. Don't apply the gel to the same spot every day. Change the spot where you apply the gel every day.
5. Do not get wet for an hour: Do not bathe, swim, exercise, do anything that makes you sweat, or get the area wet for at least an hour after applying the gel.
6. Use sunscreen: If you are using sunscreen, apply it either 30 minutes after applying this gel or 30 minutes before.
7. Stay away from fire: Do not go near fire or flames after applying this gel and until it is completely dry. Do not smoke.
8. Get dressed: Get dressed after the gel has dried completely.
Use the prescribed dosage and frequency as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What to do if you miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications can interact with Oxybutynin, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking.
- Some medicines for colds, coughs, and allergies are called ``Antihistamines''.
- Drugs like `Atropine`.
- Some medications for Parkinson's disease.
- Some medicines for stomach upset (e.g. dicyclomine).
- Some medications used to treat nausea while traveling (e.g., scopolamine).
- Antibiotics like `Clarithromycin` and `Erythromycin`.
- Medicines for fungal infections (e.g. fluconazole, ketoconazole).
This list is not complete. Therefore , tell your doctor about all the medications you take, as well as any Ayurvedic herbs, vitamins, and supplements you use. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when using this medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel dizzy or drowsy. So avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Drinking alcohol can increase these side effects.
- Dry mouth and eyes: Dry mouth is common. This can be reduced by chewing sugarless gum and drinking plenty of water. If your eyes are dry or your vision is blurry, tell your doctor. You can use lubricating eye drops.
- Be careful of extreme heat: This is very important. This medicine can reduce sweating. This can cause your body temperature to rise dangerously, leading to a condition called heat stroke. Therefore, avoid working or exercising outdoors in extremely hot weather.
- Caffeine and alcohol: Limit your intake of tea, coffee, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol. These can worsen your bladder symptoms.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effect | What to do |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. | |
| Severe allergic reactions (Allergic reactions / Angioedema) | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands or feet, difficulty breathing or swallowing. |
| Eye problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, and loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability to urinate or feeling severe discomfort. |
| If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Dry mouth, constipation | It is often controlled by drinking plenty of water and eating a diet high in fiber. |
| Dizziness, drowsiness, headache | If these conditions persist, seek medical advice. |
| Confusion | It can occur especially in older people. |
Take-Home Message
- Oxybutynin Gel is a topical medication used to control overactive bladder.
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about all other illnesses you have and all medicines you take.
- Follow the instructions exactly when applying the medicine, especially changing the place where you apply it from day to day.
- Keep away from fire until the medicine dries. Be careful of excessive heat.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe eye pain, see a doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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