Gelnique Approved for Overactive Bladder

Jan. 28 -- WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Watson Pharmaceuticals' Gelnique (oxybutynin chloride) to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, the company said in a news release.

Gelnique is a topical gel that's applied daily to the thigh, abdomen, upper arm or shoulder. Since it's absorbed through the skin, it's not metabolized by the liver as it would be were the drug's active ingredient, oxybutynin, taken orally, Watson said.

The most frequent side effects reported during clinical testing included dry mouth and reactions where the gel was applied.

Overactive bladder, with symptoms including incontinence, urgency and waking up at night to urinate, affects as many as 33 million adults in the United States, the company said.

More information

The U.S. National Institute on Aging has more on urinary incontinence.