Cidtreatment

The medicines below are used to treat urinary incontinence. Only the most basic problems are listed. Ask your doctor if there are any other steps you need to take. Use each of them as your doctor tells you. If you have any questions or can’t follow the package instructions, call your doctor.

Prescription medicines

Anticholinergics

Common names:

  • Darifenacin
  • Flavoxate
  • Oxybutynin
  • Solifenacin
  • Tolterodine
  • Trospium
  • Fesoterodine

These restore the balance between bladder pressure and sphincter tone. They help relax bladder muscles. They’re used to treat those with urge incontinence.

Some problems are:

  • A harder time passing urine
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Lightheadedness
  • Sleepiness
  • Blurred vision

Muscle relaxants

  • Mirabegron

Mirabegron relaxes the smooth muscles used to pass urine.

Some problems are:

Estrogens

Common names of topical estrogens:

  • Ogen
  • Premarin
  • Estrace
  • Estring

Estrogen is a hormone. In women, levels drop as part of aging. As estrogen levels drop, the vagina may weaken or get stretched out. The bladder gets pushed out of position, which can lead to stress incontinence.

Estrogen can be used to build up the vaginal wall and help stop the leaking. It comes in many forms, but the most useful is a vaginal cream.

Some problems are:

  • More rapid growth of other female cancers such as breast and uterine cancers
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Blood clots
  • High blood pressure

Be sure to talk to your doctor about these risks.

Botulinum toxin injections

Botulinum toxin type A can be placed right into bladder muscles. It’s used to treat those who have urge incontinence.

Some problems are:

  • Pain
  • Infection
  • Swelling
  • Blood in the urine
  • A harder time passing urine

Special considerations

If you are taking medicines:

  • Take the medicine as directed. Don’t change the amount or the schedule.
  • Ask what side effects could occur. Report them to your doctor.
  • Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medicine.
  • Don’t share your prescription medicine.
  • Medicines can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one medicine. This includes over-the-counter products and supplements.
  • Plan for refills as needed.