Urinary Incontinence Medications

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
	Vesicare®, Detrusitol®,Betmiga®,	Adult

Urinary Incontinence Medications - What is it for

They could be antimuscarinic agents (oxybutynin, solifenacin, and tolterodine), tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine) or β₃ adrenergic receptor agonists (mirabegron).

Antimuscarinic agents and β₃ adrenergic receptor agonists relax muscles in the bladder, increasing the bladder's ability to hold urine. They also reduce bladder spasms, the urge to pass urine, and the frequency of involuntary urination (incontinence). Dosages are titrated according to the effectiveness of the medication and tolerance level of patients to the side effects.

Urinary Incontinence Medications - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Urinary Incontinence Medications cause?

Drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform anything that requires mental alertness if you have these symptoms. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially for elderly patients.
Dry eyes. Use normal saline eye drops to relieve eye dryness.
Dry mouth. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy or ice will help. Saliva substitute can also be applied to relieve dry mouth.
Hard stools (constipation). Drinking more liquids, working out, or adding fiber to your diet may help.

Other common side effects that usually do not required medical attention include headache, dry skin, and nausea. Report these to your doctor if they persist and are bothersome.

Imipramine can affect blood glucose (sugar) levels. If you are a diabetic, check your blood sugar more often than usual, especially during the first few weeks of imipramine treatment. Call your doctor if you notice a change in the results of blood or urine glucose tests.

Mirabegron can affect blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, check your blood pressure more often than usual, especially during the first few weeks of mirabegron treatment. Inform your doctor if you notice an increasing trend of blood pressure readings or when your blood pressure is at 160/90mmHg. You have to stop mirabegron treatment immediately if your blood pressure is at 180/110mmHg and seek immediate medical attention.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any other unusual effects.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medications as some medication may worsen the side effects. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Before taking Urinary Incontinence Medications , what precautions must I follow?

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Urinary Incontinence Medications ?

Urinary Incontinence Medications - Dosage and How to Use

How should Urinary Incontinence Medications be used?

Imipramine, Oxybutynin, Solifenacin, Tolterodine (Immediate Release)

Administer without regard to meals. The tablet may be taken with food to reduce any abdominal discomfort.

Tolterodine (Slow Release), Mirabegron (Prolonged-Release)

Swallow the whole capsule/tablet. Do not chew or crush. Administer without regard to meals. The capsule/tablet may be taken with food to reduce any abdominal discomfort.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then continue to take it as per normal. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at usual time. Do not double or increase the dose.