Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center
Anticholinergics and antispasmodics for urinary incontinence in men
Examples
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| darifenacin hydrobromide | Enablex |
| fesoterodine | Toviaz |
| oxybutynin chloride | Ditropan, Ditropan XL, Oxytrol |
| solifenacin succinate | Vesicare |
| tolterodine tartrate | Detrol, Detrol LA |
| trospium chloride | Sanctura, Sanctura XR |
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
These medicines can help men control urge incontinence. Typically, men who take these medicines can hold their urine for a longer time. And when they do have the urge to urinate, it is not as strong as it is without medicine. 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
If you have the eye disease glaucoma, it is important for you to talk with your ophthalmologist before you start taking anticholinergics. People who have glaucoma may need to be watched more closely while they are taking anticholinergic medicines.
Some of these medicines may cause you to sweat less. In hot weather, this could lead to heat exhaustion. Ask your doctor whether you should be careful about being physically active in hot conditions.
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Citations
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
ENABLEX is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat the following symptoms due to a condition called overactive bladder:
- · having a strong need to go to the bathroom right away (also called "urgency")
- · leaks or wetting accidents (also called "urinary incontinence")
- · having to go to the bathroom too often (also called "urinary frequency")
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
You should not take once-daily ENABLEX if you have certain types of stomach problems, glaucoma, or have trouble emptying your bladder. Side effects of ENBLEX include blurred vision, and more commonly dry mouth, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Use caution when doing certain activities until you know how ENBALEX affects you.
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center
