The use of oxybutynin for treating axillary hyperhidrosis.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the effectiveness and patient satisfaction with the use of oxybutynin for treating axillary hyperhidrosis in a large series of patients.


METHODS
One hundred two patients with axillary hyperhidrosis were treated with oxybutynin. During the first week, patients received 2.5 mg of oxybutynin once a day in the evening. From the 8th to the 42nd day, they received 2.5 mg twice a day, and from the 43rd day to the end of the 12th week, they received 5 mg twice a day. All of the patients underwent two evaluations: before and after (12 weeks) the oxybutynin treatment, using a clinical questionnaire; and a clinical protocol for quality of life (QOL).


RESULTS
More than 80% of the patients experienced an improvement in axillary hyperhidrosis; 36.3% of them presented a great improvement, and half of the patients showed improvements at all hyperhidrosis sites. Most of the patients showed improvements in the QOL (67.5%). The patients with very poor QOL before the treatment presented greater satisfaction levels after treatment. The side effects were minor, dry mouth being the most frequent (73.5%).


CONCLUSIONS
Oxybutynin is a good alternative to sympathectomy. It presents good results and improves QOL without the side effects of sympathectomy.
Division of Vascular Surgery, Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Nelson
N
Wolosker
José Ribas Milanez
JR
de Campos
Paulo
P
Kauffman
Samantha
S
Neves
Marco Antonio
MA
Munia
Fábio
F
BiscegliJatene
Pedro
P
Puech-Leão
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001365:Axilla; D001938:Brazil; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006945:Hyperhidrosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008333:Mandelic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013546:Sweating / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D008333:Mandelic Acids; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists; C005419:oxybutynin