Anticholinergics for urinary incontinence in spinal cord injuries

Provided by: Healthwise
Not yet rated

Examples

Brand Name Chemical Name
Ditropan, Ditropan XL [extended-release], Oxytrol [once-weekly skin patch] oxybutynin
VESIcare solifenacin
Detrol, Detrol LA [extended-release] tolterodine
Sanctura trospium chloride

How It Works

Anticholinergic medications prevent spasms of the bladder muscle, which keeps it from emptying involuntarily and helps control urinary incontinence.

Why It Is Used

Anticholinergics can be used to treat reflex incontinence after a spinal cord injury.

How Well It Works

Research reports that using anticholinergics results in fewer spasms of the bladder muscle and thus fewer accidents. The bladder may also be able to hold more urine.1

Side Effects

Side effects are common and include:

  • Dry mouth, nose, and throat.
  • Dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion.
  • Decreased sweating and skin rash.
  • Nausea and constipation.
  • Eye pain.
  • Rapid heartbeat.

Extended-release formulas and the Oxytrol skin patch may have fewer side effects than anticholinergic medications that are taken several times a day.

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 medications 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.

Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking anticholinergic medications, because they can increase the depressive effects of alcohol.

Anticholinergic medications may cause your eyes to become more sensitive to light. If this occurs, wear sunglasses to reduce eye discomfort. Avoid using anticholinergics if you have closed-angle glaucoma.

If you develop diarrhea while taking an anticholinergic medication, stop taking it, and call your doctor. You may need to be checked for partial intestinal blockage.

These medications may cause urinary retention.

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. Benevento BT, Sipski ML (2002). Neurogenic bladder, neurogenic bowel, and sexual dysfunction in people with spinal cord injury. Physical Therapy, 82(6): 601–612.

Credits

Author Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Nancy Greenwald, MD
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Last Updated February 22, 2007
Last Updated: 02/22/2007

© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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.

Was this article helpful?
Tell us what you think.

Be the first to rate!
liked it no thanks

Filter By:

In the Spotlight

Dealing with Incontinence

Don't give up your lifestyle to this treatable problem.

Find out more »

Yahoo! Groups

Join the Conversation:

Join a Yahoo! Group and discuss topics with other members of the group.

All Urinary Health Groups »

Yahoo! Health Videos

My Health

help

Tip of the Day

Provided by: RealAge

For a quick and healthy snack, you can’t go wrong grabbing one of this season’s freshest apples. But put the peeler away. Read More »

View All Tips »

Tell us what you think about Yahoo! Health - Send us your feedback