No medication available for stress urinary incontinence, but for an overactive bladder, medicines are available in pills, liquid, patches or gels.
Overactive bladder incontinence medications
Overactive bladder incontinence medications are working by calming the muscles and the nerves. Medications are available as oral medicines both pills and liquid, and thin flexible patches.
Oral medicines for the treatment of overactive bladder
- Oxybutynin chloride (Ditropan),
- tolterodine (Detrusitol, Detrol LA)
- trospium chloride (Sanctura), derifenacin (Enablexï, and solifenacin (Vesicare)
Take orally once a day for overactive bladder. These medications relax the smooth muscle of the bladder, reducing detrusor contraction and thus prevent wetting accidents, usually within two weeks.
Incontinence medication patches
Oxybutynin transdermal system (Oxytrol) is a thin, flexible patch that can apply to the abdomen or hip skin, two times a week for overactive bladder. This treatment delivers oxybutynin continuously through the skin into the bloodstream and relieves symptoms for four days.
Use it with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma or certain kidney, liver, stomach, and urinary problems. Pregnant women should not have these medications without consulting a physician.
Medication gel for overactive bladder incontinence
Oxybutynin chloride gel (Gelnique™) treats overactive bladder by applying the gel on thigh, abdomen or shoulder once daily, which delivers a consistent dose of oxybutynin through the skin for 24 hours. This medication should not be used in patients who have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma or urinary or gastric retention.
Side effects of overactive bladder medicines
- Dry eyes
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
When taking medicine to treat an overactive bladder, need to take steps to deal with the side effects.
- Use eye-moistening drops.
- Dry mouth can be overcome by chewing gum or suck on hard candies. You may choose sugarless gums or candies to avoid tooth decay and if diabetic.
- Take small sips of water throughout the day.
Medicines to treat other conditions can affect the nerves and muscles of the urinary tract in different ways. Water pills or diuretics for treating edema, or high blood pressure medicines may increase urine output and contribute to bladder control problems.