Our Team
 Home
Urological Conditions
Pediatric Urology
Urologic Oncology
 Home
Research & Innovation
Prevention
 Home
Appointments
 Home
Fellowship
 Home
Residency

 

More Information
Urology News
Urology Clinical Trials

 

Urology

Urological Conditions

Incontinence–Treatment Options

Medication

Often, incontinence can be relieved with medication. Some medications relax muscles, allowing the bladder to empty completely during urination. Other medications inhibit contractions in an overactive bladder or tighten muscles at the bladder neck and urethra to prevent leakage. Some of the most common drugs for treating incontinence include:

  • Bladder Relaxants
     These drugs relax muscles and prevent bladder spasms, and are also known as anticholinergic or antispasmodic drugs. Common names include Ditropan or Detrol. These drugs are long-acting, can be taken once a day, and may have mild side effects, such as dry mouth.
  • Imipramine hydrochloride (Tofranil)
     This antidepressant relaxes bladder muscles and tightens urethral muscles. It’s often used instead of or in combination with bladder relaxants. Side effects may include fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and insomnia.
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for women
     Hormones, such as estrogen, may help muscles involved in urination function normally. After menopause, the body produces less estrogen. Supplementing naturally produced estrogen with estrogen in a pill or another form may help treat incontinence. However, HRT is now extremely controversial because it has been linked to several harmful side effects, including increased risk for breast cancer.
  • Other Medication
     When incontinence is caused by specific conditions or diseases, such as BPH (enlarged prostate) or a urinary tract infection, the drugs used to treat them should relieve the incontinence.