Use of oxybutynin for treating plantar hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND To evaluate the effectiveness and patient satisfaction with the use of oxybutynin at low doses for treating plantar hyperhidrosis. METHODS From January 2007 to December 2010, 35 consecutive patients with plantar hyperhidrosis were treated with oxybutynin. Data were collected from 30 patients (five patients were lost to follow-up). During the first week, patients received 2.5 mg of oxybutynin once a day, 2.5 mg twice a day from the eighth to the 42nd day, and from the 43rd day to the end of the 12th week, 5 mg twice a day. All of the patients underwent two evaluations: before and after the oxybutynin treatment, using a clinical questionnaire, and a clinical protocol for quality of life. RESULTS More than 70% of patients experienced an improvement in plantar hyperhidrosis. Most of the patients showed improvements in quality of life (66.6%). The side effects were minor, the most frequent being dry mouth (76.7%). CONCLUSION Treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis with oxybutynin presents good results and improves quality of life. We believe that this therapeutic alternative is an excellent choice for the initial treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis.