Oxybutynin is a prescription medicine (Cholinergic Muscarinic Antagonist). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.
- Type
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Brand names
- Oxytrol
- Drug class
- Cholinergic Muscarinic Antagonist
- Taken
- Transdermal
- Label
- Allergan, Inc., revised May 29, 2024 · full label on DailyMed
- Generic
- FDA-approved (23 companies) · details
What it is used for
OXYTROL is a muscarinic antagonist indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder in men with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency. OXYTROL is a muscarinic antagonist indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder in men with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency. ( 1 )
Forms and strengths
Transdermal System: 3.9 mg/day Transdermal system: 3.9 mg/day ( 3 )
Who should not take it (contraindications)
The use of OXYTROL is contraindicated in the following conditions: Urinary retention Gastric retention Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma Known serious hypersensitivity reaction to OXYTROL, oxybutynin, or to any of the components of OXYTROL [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Urinary retention ( 4 ) Gastric retention ( 4 ) Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma ( 4 ) Known serious hypersensitivity reaction to OXYTROL, oxybutynin, or to any of the components of OXYTROL ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
Urinary Retention: Use caution in patients with clinically significant bladder outflow obstruction because of the risk of urinary retention. ( 5.1 ) Gastrointestinal Disorders: Use caution in patients with gastrointestinal obstructive disorders or decreased intestinal motility because of the risk of gastric retention. Use caution in patients with gastroesophageal reflux and/or those taking drugs that can cause or exacerbate esophagitis. ( 5.2 ) Central Nervous System Effects: Somnolence has been reported with products containing oxybutynin. Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how OXYTROL affects them. ( 5.3 ) Angioedema: Angioedema has been reported with oral oxybutynin use. If symptoms of angioedema occur, discontinue OXYTROL and initiate appropriate therapy. ( 5.4 ) Skin Hypersensitivity: Discontinue OXYTROL in patients with skin hypersensitivity. ( 5.5 ) Myasthenia gravis: Avoid use in patients with myasthenia gravis, a disease characterized by decreased cholinergic activity at the neuromuscular junction. ( 5.6 )
5.1 Urinary Retention Administer OXYTROL with caution in patients with clinically significant bladder outflow obstruction because of the risk of urinary retention [see Contraindications (4) ] .
5.2 Risks in Patients with Gastrointestinal Disorders Administer OXYTROL with caution to patients with gastrointestinal obstructive disorders because of the risk of gastric retention [see Contraindications (4) ] . OXYTROL, like other anticholinergic drugs, may decrease gastrointestinal motility and should be used with caution in patients with conditions such as ulcerative colitis or intestinal atony. OXYTROL should be used with caution in patients who have hiatus hernia/gastroesophageal reflux and/or who are concurrently taking drugs (such as bisphosphonates) that can cause or exacerbate esophagitis.
5.3 Central Nervous System Effects Products containing oxybutynin are associated with anticholinergic central nervous system (CNS) effects. A variety of CNS anticholinergic effects have been reported, including headache, dizziness, somnolence, confusion and hallucinations [see Adverse Events (6.2) ] . Patients should be monitored for signs of anticholinergic CNS effects, particularly after beginning treatment. Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how OXYTROL affects them. If a patient experiences anticholinergic CNS effects, drug discontinuation should be considered.
5.4 Angioedema Angioedema requiring hospitalization and emergency medical treatment has occurred with the first or subsequent doses of oral oxybutynin. In the event of angioedema, OXYTROL should be discontinued and appropriate therapy promptly provided.
5.5 Skin Hypersensitivity Patients who develop skin hypersensitivity to OXYTROL should discontinue drug treatment.
5.6 Exacerbation of Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis Avoid use of OXYTROL in patients with myasthenia gravis, a disease characterized by decreased cholinergic activity at the neuromuscular junction. If experiencing exacerbation of symptoms of myasthenia gravis, oxybutynin-containing product should be discontinued and appropriate therapy promptly provided.
Side effects (adverse reactions)
The most common adverse reactions (incidence > 5% and > placebo) are application site reactions and dry mouth. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AbbVie, Inc. at 1-800-678-1605 or contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety of OXYTROL was evaluated in a total of 417 patients who participated in two clinical efficacy and safety studies and an open-label extension. Additional safety information was collected in earlier phase trials. In the two pivotal studies, a total of 246 patients received OXYTROL during the 12-week treatment periods. A total of 411 patients entered the open-label extension and of those, 65 patients and 52 patients received OXYTROL for at least 24 weeks and at least 36 weeks, respectively. No deaths were reported during treatment. No serious adverse events related to treatment were reported. Adverse reactions reported in the pivotal trials are summarized in Tables 1 and 2 below. Table 1: Number (%) of adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 2% of OXYTROL-treated patients and greater in the OXYTROL group than in the placebo group (Study 1). Adverse Reaction Placebo (N = 132) OXYTROL (3.9 mg/day) (N = 125) N % N % Application site pruritus 8 6.1% 21 16.8% Dry mouth 11 8.3% 12 9.6% Application site erythema 3 2.3% 7 5.6% Application site vesicles 0 0.0% 4 3.2% Diarrhea 3 2.3% 4 3.2% Dysuria 0 0.0% 3 2.4% Table 2: Number (%) of adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 2% of OXYTROL-treated patients and greater in the OXYTROL group than in the placebo group (Study 2). Adverse Reaction Placebo (N = 117) OXYTROL (3.9 mg/day) (N = 121) N % N % Application site pruritus 5 4.3% 17 14.0% Application site erythema 2 1.7% 10 8.3% Dry mouth 2 1.7% 5 4.1% Constipation 0 0.0% 4 3.3% Application site rash 1 0.9% 4 3.3% Application site macules 0 0.0% 3 2.5% Abnormal vision 0 0.0% 3 2.5% Most adverse reactions were described as mild or moderate in intensity. Severe application site reactions were reported by 6.4% of OXYTROL-treated patients in Study 1 and by 5.0% of OXYTROL-treated patients in Study 2. Adverse reactions that resulted in discontinuation were reported by 11.2% of OXYTROL-treated patients in Study 1 and 10.7% of OXYTROL-treated patients in Study 2. Most of these discontinuations were due to application site reaction. In the two pivotal studies, no patient discontinued OXYTROL treatment due to dry mouth. In the open-label extension, the most common treatment-related adverse reactions were: application site pruritus, application site erythema, and dry mouth.
6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of OXYTROL. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Nervous System Disorders: Memory impairment, dizziness, somnolence, confusion Psychiatric Disorders: Delirium, hallucinations
Drug interactions
No specific drug-drug interaction studies have been performed with OXYTROL. Other Anticholinergics (muscarinic antagonists): Concomitant use with other anticholinergic agents may increase the frequency and/or severity of dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and other anticholinergic pharmacological effects. ( 7.1 )
7.1 Other Anticholinergics The concomitant use of OXYTROL with other anticholinergic drugs, or with other agents that produce dry mouth, constipation, somnolence, and/or other anticholinergic-like effects may increase the frequency and/or severity of such effects. Anticholinergic agents may potentially alter the absorption of some concomitantly administered drugs due to anticholinergic effects on gastrointestinal motility.
7.2 Cytochrome P450 Inhibitors Pharmacokinetic studies have not been performed with patients concomitantly receiving cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibitors, such as antimycotic agents (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, and miconazole) or macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin and clarithromycin).
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no studies with topical or oral oxybutynin use in pregnant women to inform a drug associated risk for birth defects or miscarriage. No adverse developmental outcomes were observed in animal reproduction studies when oxybutynin chloride was administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at approximately 50 and 1 times, respectively, the maximum human dose based on body surface area ( see Data ). In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20% respectively. Data A n i m al Da t a Subcutaneous administration of oxybutynin chloride to rats at doses up to 25 mg/kg (approximately 50 times the human exposure based on surface area) and to rabbits at doses up to 0.4 mg/kg (approximately 1 times the human exposure based on body surface area) throughout the period of organogenesis revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus.
8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information on the presence of oxybutynin in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for OXYTROL and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from OXYTROL or from the underlying maternal condition.
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and efficacy of OXYTROL in pediatric patients have not been established.
8.5 Geriatric Use Forty-nine percent of OXYTROL-treated patients in the clinical studies were at least 65 years of age. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in response between elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
How it works
The free base form of oxybutynin is pharmacologically equivalent to oxybutynin hydrochloride. Oxybutynin acts as a competitive antagonist of acetylcholine at postganglionic muscarinic receptors, resulting in relaxation of bladder smooth muscle. In patients with conditions characterized by involuntary detrusor contractions, cystometric studies have demonstrated that oxybutynin increases maximum urinary bladder capacity and increases the volume to first detrusor contraction. Oxybutynin is a racemic (50:50) mixture of R- and S-isomers. Antimuscarinic activity resides predominantly in the R-isomer. The active metabolite, N-desethyloxybutynin, has pharmacological activity on the human detrusor muscle that is similar to that of oxybutynin in in vitro studies.
Is there a generic Oxybutynin?
Yes. The FDA has approved generic Oxybutynin from 23 companies whose approvals are active. The earliest of these was approved in 1988.
An FDA approval does not always mean the generic is already in pharmacies: patent disputes and settlements can delay a launch for years. Your pharmacist can tell you whether a generic is actually available and covered by your plan.
The FDA rates these generics as therapeutically equivalent to the brand ("A" rating): same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and effect. Pharmacists can usually substitute them unless the prescriber says otherwise.
Companies with an approved generic
Abhai Llc, Accord Hlthcare, Aiping Pharm Inc, Ajanta Pharma Ltd, Amneal Pharms, Bionpharma, Chartwell Rx, Heritage Pharma Avet, Lannett Co Inc, Leading, Mylan Pharms Inc, Novast Labs, Novitium Pharma, Osmotica Pharm Us, Regcon Holdings, Rising, Rubicon Research, Strides Pharma, Strides Pharma Intl, Teva Pharms Usa, Tp Anda Holdings, Unique, Zydus Pharms
Brand-name versions
- Ditropan Janssen Pharms, approved 1975 Discontinued
- Ditropan Xl Janssen Pharms, approved 1998 Discontinued
- Oxytrol Allergan, approved 2003
- Gelnique Abbvie, approved 2009 Discontinued
- Gelnique 3% Allergan, approved 2011 Discontinued
- Oxytrol For Women Abbvie, approved 2013
Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.
Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.
Oxybutynin in the news
We have not covered this medicine yet. Latest news
Recalls
-
Class II Completed
Oxybutynin Chloride Extended-Release Tablet USP, 15 mg, 100 count bottles, Rx Only, Manufactured by: Cadila Healthcare Ltd, Baddi, India. Distributed by: Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. NDC # 68382-257-01.
Reason: Failed Dissolution Specifications-out-of-specification (OOS) test results observed for dissolution at the 6 month long term time point.
Lots, distribution and details
- Lots / codes
- M211541, exp. date 10/2024 M211542, exp. date 10/2024 M212746, exp. date 10/2024 M300660, exp. date 12/2024
- Distribution
- Nationwide.
- Quantity
- —
- Recall started
- October 19, 2023 (Voluntary: Firm initiated)
- Severity
- Could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems; serious harm is unlikely.
- FDA recall number
- D-0098-2024
-
Class II Completed
Oxybutynin Chloride Extended-Release Tablet USP, 10 mg, 100 count bottles Rx Only, Manufactured by: Cadila Healthcare Ltd, Baddi, India. Distributed by: Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. NDC # 68382-256-01.
Reason: Failed Dissolution Specifications-out-of-specification (OOS) test results observed for dissolution at the 6 month long term time point.
Lots, distribution and details
- Product
- Oxybutynin Chloride Extended-Release Tablet USP, 10 mg, 100 count bottles Rx Only, Manufactured by: Cadila Healthcare Ltd, Baddi, India. Distributed by: Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. NDC # 68382-256-01.
- Lots / codes
- M213318, exp. date 11/2024; M213314, exp. date 11/2024; M213315, exp. date 11/2024; M214436, exp. date 11/2024; M214437, exp. date 11/2024; M214438, exp. date 11/2024; M300653, exp. date 12/2024; M300654, exp. date 12/2024
- Distribution
- Nationwide.
- Quantity
- —
- Recall started
- October 19, 2023 (Voluntary: Firm initiated)
- Severity
- Could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems; serious harm is unlikely.
- FDA recall number
- D-0097-2024
-
Class II Completed
Oxybutynin Chloride Extended-Release Tablet USP, 5 mg, 100 count bottles, Rx Only, Manufactured by: Cadila Healthcare Ltd, Baddi, India. Distributed by: Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. NDC # 68382-255-01
Reason: Failed Dissolution Specifications-out-of-specification (OOS) test results observed for dissolution at the 6 month long term time point.
Lots, distribution and details
- Lots / codes
- M212749, exp. date 11/2024; M214477, exp. date 11/2024; M214478, exp. date 11/2024; M214479, exp. date 11/2024; M214480, exp. date 11/2024
- Distribution
- Nationwide.
- Quantity
- —
- Recall started
- October 19, 2023 (Voluntary: Firm initiated)
- Severity
- Could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems; serious harm is unlikely.
- FDA recall number
- D-0096-2024
Have this medicine at home? Compare the lot number and expiry date on your package with the recall. Do not stop taking a prescribed medicine on your own — stopping suddenly can be riskier than the recalled lot. Your pharmacist can check it and usually swap it for an unaffected one.
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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 20dee37f-1412-44ed-9e8b-f4379ce23eb0.