Many factors have been associated with an increased risk of urinary incontinence in men. Incontinence may be the result of various health conditions or medical treatments, or it could be caused by family history or lifestyle. Sometimes factors from more than one of the lists below can combine to cause incontinence.

Physical conditions or lifestyle factors that may make urinary incontinence more likely include:

Age-related changes, including decreased bladder capacity and physical frailty.
Smoking tobacco.
Injury to the bladder or urethra.
Bladder infection or prostatitis.
Obesity.
Structural abnormalities of the urinary tract .

Medicines and foods that may make urinary incontinence worse include:

Caffeinated and carbonated drinks, such as coffee, tea, and soda pop.
Alcoholic beverages.
Prescription medicines that increase urine production, such as diuretics, or relax the bladder, such as anticholinergics and antidepressants.
Other prescription medicines, such as sedatives, narcotics, and calcium channel blockers.
Nonprescription medicines, such as diet, allergy, and cold medicines.
Radiation therapy or surgery for prostate cancer.

Several diseases or conditions may increase your risk of developing urinary incontinence, including:

Neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, diabetes, spinal injury, and multiple sclerosis.
Bladder cancer.
Chronic bronchitis.
Interstitial cystitis.
Anxiety and depression.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 21, 2008

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.

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Prescribing Information

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.

Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.

Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.