Anticholinergics and antispasmodics for urinary incontinence in men

Provided by: Healthwise
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Examples

Brand Name Chemical Name
Enablex darifenacin hydrobromide
Ditropan, Ditropan XL, Oxytrol oxybutynin chloride
Vesicare solifenacin succinate
Detrol, Unidet tolterodine tartrate
Sanctura trospium chloride

How It Works

These medicines calm the nerves that control bladder muscles. They may prevent uncontrollable bladder contractions that force urine out of the bladder.

Why It Is Used

Antispasmodics and anticholinergics are used to control the symptoms of urge incontinence. These medicines may also be used to treat stress incontinence, especially if you have both stress and urge incontinence.

How Well It Works

Many people taking these medicines have fewer problems with urinary incontinence.1

Side Effects

Side effects vary with some of these medicines and include:

  • Dry mouth.
  • Headache.
  • Decreased sweating, skin rash.
  • Nausea, constipation.
  • Eye problems.
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • Skin rash.
  • Drowsiness, confusion.
  • Nervousness.
  • Urinary retention.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Some of these medicines may cause you to sweat less. In hot weather, this could lead to heat exhaustion. Ask your health professional whether you should be careful about being physically active in hot conditions.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)Click here to view a form.(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Citations

  1. Payne CK (2002). Urinary incontinence: Nonsurgical management. In PC Walsh et al., eds., Campbell's Urology, 8th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1069–1091. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.

Credits

Author Ralph Poore
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Martin Gabica, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Avery L. Seifert, MD
- Urology
Last Updated August 10, 2006
Last Updated: 08/10/2006

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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.

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