Effectiveness of oxybutynin for treatment of hyperhidrosis in overweight and obese patients

Objective

Until the present moment, the lack of efficient therapeutic options available for hyperhidrosis treatment in obese patients has left this population without prospect of clinical or quality of life (QOL) improvements. Outcomes of oxybutynin treatment for overweight and obese patients with hyperhidrosis are unknown. This study aims to investigate the results related to clinical and QOL improvements in this specific population, submitted to a 12-week protocol treatment with oxybutynin.

Methods

559 patients with palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis, routinely followed in this service, were divided into the groups, according to their body mass index (BMI) (< 25 kg/m²; 25 < BMI < 30 kg/m², > 30 kg/m²). Improvements in QOL and in the level of hyperhidrosis were analyzed after 12 weeks of protocol treatment with oxybutynin. These parameters were investigated using a scoring system based on a scientifically validated clinical questionnaire, applied before and after treatment.

Results

67.8% of the overweight sample group and 63% of the obese patients presented “partial” or “great” improvement in the level of hyperhidrosis. Over 65% of patients demonstrated improvement in QOL (“much better” or “slightly better”) for all three groups, with no statistical difference between them. The only adverse event associated with oxybutynin was dry mouth, observed in 63.0% of the patients.

Conclusion

Overweight and obese patients with palmar or axillary hyperhidrosis present significant improvement in QOL after treatment with oxybutynin, and the results are comparable to those of normal weight individuals.