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Gelnique

Generic name: oxybutynin (topical) [ OX-i-BUE-ti-nin ]
Brand names: Gelnique, Oxytrol
Drug class: Urinary antispasmodics

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Apr 9, 2024.

What is Gelnique?

Gelnique reduces muscle spasms of the bladder and urinary tract.

Gelnique is a quick-drying, colorless topical gel used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder such as frequent or urgent urination, and incontinence (urine leakage).

Gelnique gel should not be applied to recently shaved skin surfaces.

Warnings

You should not use Gelnique if you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or if you are unable to completely empty your bladder.

Before using Gelnique, tell your doctor if you have urination problems, glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, severe constipation, ulcerative colitis or other intestinal disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or slow digestion.

Do not bathe, shower, swim, use a hot tub, or exercise vigorously for at least 1 hour after applying Gelnique.

It is best to cover treated skin areas with clothing after the gel has dried completely. This will help prevent getting this medicine on your other skin or on other people.

Gelnique gel is flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin. This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of oxybutynin.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated while you are using oxybutynin.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Gelnique if you are allergic to oxybutynin, or if you have:

Gelnique is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

To make sure Gelnique is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Gelnique pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

How should I use Gelnique?

Use Gelnique exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Do not take by mouth. This medicine is for use only on the skin.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Each packet of Gelnique gel is for one use only. Cover the gel-treated skin with clothing to help prevent getting this medicine on your other skin or on other people.

Avoid being in water or exercising vigorously for at least 1 hour after applying Gelnique gel.

Gelnique gel is flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

Throw away an empty gel packet in a place where children and pets cannot get to it.

Detailed Gelnique dosage information

oxybutynin, Botox, Myrbetriq, phenazopyridine, mirabegron, solifenacin, Pyridium, tolterodine, trospium, Detrol

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the gel as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include warmth, tingling, fever, irregular heartbeats, feeling restless, vomiting, and little or no urinating.

What should I avoid while using Gelnique?

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of oxybutynin.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Oxybutynin can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid applying lotions, powders, or oils to the skin you plan to treat with Gelnique. These other skin products can make it harder for your skin to absorb oxybutynin, and it may not work as well. You may apply Gelnique gel to skin that has been treated with sunscreen.

Gelnique side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Gelnique: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Gelnique side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Gelnique side effects (more detail)

What other drugs will affect Gelnique?

Using Gelnique with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with oxybutynin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Gelnique drug interactions (more detail)

Does Gelnique interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Gelnique only for the indication prescribed..

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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