Anturol

Anturol is used to treat symptoms of an overactive bladder, such as frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, and incontinence (inability to control urination).

Anturol is in a class of medications called antimuscarinics/antispasmodics. It relaxes the urinary bladder by exerting a direct antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscle by inhibiting the muscarinic action of acetylcholine.

This product is available in the following dosage forms only with a doctor's prescription:

• Gel/Jelly
• Patch, Extended Release

Before using Anturol, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. The suitable drug therapy is usually chosen by a doctor with the active participation of the patient.

There are some important factors such as drug interactions, the presence of any metabolic impairment, history of hypersensitivity reaction, pregnancy, lactation etc. that may alter the desired therapeutic effects of a medicine.

Sometimes the presence of other health disorders affects the beneficial effects of this medicine and even may cause serious toxic effects. If you have had any allergic reactions to any medicine then you must tell your doctor about that.

The use of oxybutynin is contraindicated in known hypersensitivity, gastrointestinal obstruction or atrophy, severe toxic megacolon, significant bladder outflow obstruction, narrow-angle glaucoma, and urinary retention.

Further, make sure you inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Esophagitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Ulcerative colitis
• Myasthenia gravis

In addition, certain medicines should not be used along with this medicine. It is always recommended to consult with your doctor if you are in need of some other medications or even any over-the-counter medicine for another health problem in order to avoid unwanted toxic effects.

Besides, it should be kept in mind that co-administration with other anticholinergic drugs may cause undesirable increased anticholinergic effects. This drug is also responsible for additive sedation when used with CNS depressants and alcohol.

Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester. Thus, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Besides, caution is recommended when used in lactating women.

To use Anturol properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. You should not use more of it, not more often, and not for a longer time than your doctor advised. The dosage schedule and the duration of drug therapy generally depend on upon the particular medical problem for which you are going to use this medicine.

The therapeutic dose may also vary with the patient’s condition or requirement and the strength of the medicine as well; however, this medicine comes with patient information. You should read and follow the instructions carefully.

To use the gel for bladder problems, follow these guidelines:

• You should wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Before applying for this medicine, wash the application site (e.g. stomach, upper arms, shoulders, or thighs) with mild soap and water. Rinse well and pat dry.
• Squeeze the contents of the packet into the palm of your hand or directly on the application site. Gently rub it until the gel dries.
• You should apply the gel on dry, intact skin once a day and avoid the same application site you applied the last one.
• You should not bathe, swim, shower, or exercise for at least 1 hour after applying oxybutynin and then cover the application site with a dry cloth to avoid direct contact or transfer of oxybutynin to another person.

To use the patches for bladder problems, follow these guidelines:

• A transdermal oxybutynin patch is usually applied twice each week (every 3–4 days). You should apply the patch on the same 2 days of the week every week.
• To help you remember to apply your patches on the right days, you should mark the calendar on the back of your package of medication.
• Use transdermal oxybutynin exactly as directed. Do not apply the patches more often than prescribed by your doctor.
• You should wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch. Do not touch your eyes until after you have washed your hands.
• You can apply oxybutynin patches anywhere on your stomach, hips, or buttocks except the area around your waistline. Choose an area where you think the patch will be comfortable for you, where it will not be rubbed by tight clothing, and where it will be protected from sunlight by clothing.
• After you apply a patch to a particular area, wait at least 1 week before applying another patch to that spot. After you apply an oxybutynin patch, you should wear it all the time until you are ready to remove it and put on a fresh patch.
• When putting on each new patch, choose a different place within these areas. Do not put the new patch in the same place you wore the last one. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new one.
• If the patch loosens or falls off before it is time to replace it, try to press it back in place with your fingers. If the patch cannot be pressed back on, discard it and apply a fresh patch to a different area.
• You may bathe, swim, shower, or exercise while you are wearing an oxybutynin patch. However, try not to rub on the patch during these activities, and do not soak in a hot tub for a long period of time while wearing a patch.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. But, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

Further, it is advised to store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light. All kinds of medicines should be kept out of the reach of children. However, outdated medicines should be disposed of by an appropriate way.

Before using Anturol, there are some precautions you must take. Firstly, regular visits to your doctor are recommended to check that this medicine is working properly or not.

Additionally, the following guidelines should be followed to prevent unwanted complications as well as for the better prognosis of the patients:

This medicine is intended for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, breasts, or genital area. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called angioedema which is characterized by rash, itching, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble with breathing, or chest tightness. If you develop such symptoms, stop using the medicine and check with your doctor as soon as possible.

This medicine may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase. Use extra care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather while you are using this medicine, since overheating may result in heat stroke.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or have blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, not alert, or not able to see well.

This medicine may cause dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute.

You should avoid drinking alcohol and other CNS depressants while you are using this medicine. This medicine controls the symptoms of overactive bladder but does not cure the condition. Thus, you should continue to take this medicine even if you feel well.

Do not apply this product to skin that has wrinkles or folds; that you have recently treated with any lotion, oil, or powder; or that is oily, cut, scraped, or irritated. Before applying a patch, be sure the skin is clean and dry.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Anturol. These side effects usually go away during the treatment episode as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your healthcare professional may advise you about the ways how to prevent or reduce those unwanted side effects.

Sometimes you may need to consult with the doctor immediately if you notice any of the following toxic effects, especially:

More common:

• Bladder pain
• Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Blurred vision
• Burning sensation, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site
• Cracked, dry, or scaly skin
• Dry mouth
• Dyspepsia
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Palpitation

Less common:

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you have any unusual problems while using this medication, check with your healthcare professional.