• Instruct patient to take oxybutinin as directed. Take missed doses as soon as remembered unless almost time for next dose. Advise patient to read Information for the Patient prior to beginning therapy and with each Rx refill in case of new information.

• May cause drowsiness or blurred vision. Advise patient to avoid driving and other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.

• Advise patient to avoid concurrent use of alcohol and other CNS depressants while taking this medication.

• Instruct patient that frequent rinsing of mouth, good oral hygiene, and sugarless gum or candy may decrease dry mouth. Health care professional should be notified if mouth dryness persists >2 wk.

• Advise patient to stop taking oxybutinin and notify health care professional immediately if signs of angioedema and/or anaphylaxis (swelling of face, tongue, or throat; rash; dyspnea).

• Inform patient that oxybutynin decreases the body's ability to perspire. Avoid strenuous activity in a warm environment because overheating may occur.

• Advise patient to notify health care professional if urinary retention occurs or if constipation persists. Discuss methods of preventing constipation, such as increasing dietary bulk, increasing fluid intake, and increasing mobility.

• Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.

• Advise patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

• Discuss need for continued medical follow-up. Periodic cystometry may be used to evaluate effectiveness. Ophthalmic exams should be performed periodically to detect glaucoma, especially in patients over 40 yr of age.

• Transdermal patch: Instruct patient on correct application and disposal of patch. Open pouch by tearing along arrows; apply immediately. Apply 1/2 patch to skin by removing 1/2 protective cover and applying firmly to skin. Apply second half by bending in half and rolling patch onto skin while removing protective liner. Press patch firmly in place.

» Remove slowly; fold in half, sticky sides together, and discard. Wash site with mild soap and water or a small amount of baby oil.

» Advise patient referred for MRI to remove patch prior to test and give directions for replacing patch.

• Transdermal gel: Instruct patient on correct application of oxybutynin gel. Do not apply to recently shaved skin, skin with rashes, or areas treated with lotions, oils, or powders; may be used with sunscreen. Wash area with mild soap and water and dry completely before applying. Tear packet open just before use and squeeze entire contents into hand or directly onto application site. Amount of gel will be size of a nickel on the skin. Gently rub into skin until dry. Wash hands immediately following application. Avoid application near open fire or when smoking; medication is flammable. Do not shower, bathe, swim, exercise, or immerse the application site in water within 1 hr after application. Cover application site with clothing if close skin-to-skin contact at application site is anticipated.