Have you ever had this happen to you? You feel like you need to go to the toilet all the time, you suddenly feel like you can't control your urge to urinate, or you feel like you're leaking urine even when you laugh or cough. This is a really annoying and uncomfortable condition that makes it difficult to talk to anyone in society. In medical terms, this is called 'Overactive Bladder'. So today we are going to talk about a special gel that is applied to the skin to treat this condition.
What is Oxybutynin Gel?
Simply put, Oxybutynin is a medication that helps control your bladder function. It comes as a gel, so it's not like a pill you take, but rather something you apply to your skin.
Think of your bladder as a small balloon. If the muscles in the walls of this balloon contract too often, we will have frequent urges to urinate and lose control. What this medicine, Oxybutynin, does is stop those unnecessary contractions and relax the muscles in the bladder. Then the bladder can hold more urine, and the urge to urinate will decrease. We call these types of medicines ``Antispasmodics``.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before prescribing this medicine to you. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Illness or condition | Why should I notify? (Brief explanation) |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma | This medicine may increase eye pressure. |
| Difficulty urinating | This medication may increase urinary retention, which may worsen the problem. |
| Intestinal obstruction or disease | The medicine may slow down the functioning of the digestive system. |
| Liver or Kidney disease | The process of removing medication from the body may be affected. |
| Myasthenia gravis or Parkinson's disease | The symptoms of these neurological diseases are likely to vary. |
| Dementia or Autonomic neuropathy | The effects of the medication may worsen the symptoms of these conditions. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to talk to your doctor about the possible effects on the fetus. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | You should be aware of the possibility of the medicine passing to the baby through breast milk. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | To confirm whether there is an allergy to the medicine or any of its ingredients. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Okay, now let's see how exactly to use this gel. This is not a medicine to drink, but a skin cream, so it is very important to follow the instructions exactly.
- Step 1: Clean your hands.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
- Step 2: Choose where you want to paint.
This should be applied to areas like the stomach, shoulders, upper arms, or thighs. The most important thing is to apply it to a clean, dry area where the skin is not broken, cut, or irritated .
- Step 3: Apply the gel slowly.
Take the medicine from the gel packet and gently massage it into the selected area of skin. Do this until it is well absorbed into the skin and completely dry .
- Step 4: Dance in a new place every day.
This is also very important. If you rub it on your stomach today, rub it on your shoulder tomorrow. The next day, rub it on the other shoulder. Changing places like this will reduce the potential damage to the skin.
- Step 5: Do not water for an hour.
Do not bathe, swim, or engage in sweaty exercise for at least an hour after applying the medication. Doing so may reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
- Step 6: If going out in the sun (Sunscreen).
If you are applying sunscreen, apply it 30 minutes after applying the medication, or 30 minutes before applying the medication.
Be careful with fire! This is very important. This gel may contain alcohol. Therefore, be sure to stay away from fire, cigarette smoke, and gas stoves until the medicine is completely dry .
- Step 7: Before getting dressed.
Once the gel has dried completely, put on clothes. Do not let the medicine get on your clothes.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take 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 the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have overdosed, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
It's a good idea to make a few small changes to your lifestyle while taking this medication.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. So, avoid doing things that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not stand up or sit up suddenly. Doing so may cause dizziness and fall.
- Dry mouth and eyes: Dry mouth is a common side effect of this medication. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water can help. You may also experience dry eyes and blurred vision. This may be uncomfortable if you wear contact lenses. Lubricating drops may be used. If these problems persist, tell your doctor.
- Be careful of excessive heat: This is also very important. This medicine can reduce sweating. So when you are in a very hot environment, your body temperature can rise dangerously. We call this Heat Stroke. So don't stay outside for too long on hot days, drink plenty of water, and wear light clothes .
- Food and Drink: Things like tea, coffee, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol can increase your 'Overactive Bladder' symptoms. It's best to reduce them as much as possible.
What kind of side effects are possible?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor or ETU immediately | |
| Serious 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, seeing rings around lights, and loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability to urinate or passing urine with great difficulty. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (but should be reported if they persist) | |
| Common side effects | Dry mouth, constipation, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Oxybutynin Gel is a topical medication that treats 'overactive bladder' conditions, such as frequent urination.
- Before using this, tell your doctor about all other medical conditions you have and all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
- When applying the medicine, stay away from the heat until the area is completely dry. Remember to apply it to a new area every time.
- Watch out for drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and heat intolerance. Be especially careful when driving.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as skin rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
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