Stop The Sweat

An oxytrol patch is basically a novel mechanism for delivering the drug, oxybutynin.

Oxybutynin itself is an anticholinergic medication most often used to relieve urinary and bladder problems but can also be used for hyperhidrosis.

Probably you’re more familiar with glycopyrrolate (Robinul) which is a more commonly prescribed anticholinergic used by hyperhidrosis sufferers in a variety of forms, sometimes as an ingredient in an iontophoresis solution, for example.

Both of these and indeed the majority of these drugs are what is known as “antimuscarinic agents”. However, oxybutyin is a tertiary amine whilst glycopyrrolate is a quarternary amine. The former therefore has a more central effect compared to the latter. However, this is not always a primary reason for choosing one over the other. The clinical effects are more likely to be the deciding factor.

Oxytrol is a brand name for a patch used to deliver the drug, also known as a “transdermal system”. Some people find that they get a better result and minimised side effects from using this patch as opposed to tablets. Others find little to no difference.