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The information provided below is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your healthcare provider if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your healthcare provider, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your healthcare provider.
Two types of urinary incontinence are treatable with medications:
Common names include:
Estrogen is the hormone that stimulates and maintains the breasts, ovaries, uterus, and vagina. At menopause , estrogen levels drop dramatically and these organs begin to age. The tissue that supports the bladder is the anterior wall of the vagina. If this becomes weakened and stretched out, the bladder drops, and stress incontinence may result. Replacing estrogen in your body rejuvenates the vaginal wall and may cure the leaking.
Estrogen has both positive and negative effects. Currently, controversy rages over the use of estrogen in postmenopausal women. To avoid most of the side effects, estrogen for urinary stress incontinence can be given topically as a vaginal cream with results equal to or superior to giving it by other routes.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
These drugs act on the autonomic (automatic) nervous system to alter the balance between bladder pressure and sphincter tone. They specifically weaken the bladder emptying muscle, relieving incontinence that is caused by a sudden urges to void due to full or irritated bladder.
Possible side effects include:
When using estrogen other than the topical creams, ask your physician to discuss the pros and cons. Also, some medical problems may contraindicate the use of this medications. For example, estrogens are contraindicated in patients with breast and endometrial cancer. Patients with some types of glaucoma cannot use anticholinergics.
If you have bladder trouble, check with your physician before using any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Many have urinary side effects.
Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:
Contact your healthcare provider if:
References:
Drug Facts and Comparisons. 56th edition. Facts and Comparisons; 2001.
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. McGraw-Hill; 1998.
The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 17th edition. Merck & Co.; 1999.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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