Disclaimer: The following article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Here is a guide to incontinence medications and side effects.
Incontinence is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Fortunately, there are several medications available to help manage incontinence symptoms. In this article, we will discuss the various types of incontinence medications, including their chemical names, brand names, and potential side effects.
- Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics are a type of medication that works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for muscle contractions. This medication is commonly used to treat urge incontinence, which is characterized by a sudden and strong urge to urinate.
Brand names: Detrol, Ditropan, Enablex, Vesicare
Chemical names: Tolterodine, Oxybutynin, Darifenacin, Solifenacin
Side effects: Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, drowsiness, and urinary retention.
- Mirabegron
Mirabegron is a medication that works by relaxing the bladder muscle and increasing the capacity of the bladder. This medication is used to treat urge incontinence and overactive bladder.
Brand names: Myrbetriq
Chemical name: Mirabegron
Side effects: Headache, nausea, diarrhea, hypertension, and urinary tract infections.
- Alpha-adrenergic agonists
Alpha-adrenergic agonists are medications that work by stimulating the alpha receptors in the bladder neck and urethra, which helps to increase muscle tone and prevent urine leakage. This medication is commonly used to treat stress incontinence, which is caused by weak pelvic muscles.
Brand names: Sudafed, Midodrine
Chemical names: Pseudoephedrine, Midodrine
Side effects: Headache, nausea, dry mouth, hypertension, and urinary retention.
- Topical estrogen
Topical estrogen is a medication that is applied directly to the vaginal area to help improve the strength and thickness of the vaginal tissue. This medication is commonly used to treat urinary incontinence in women who have gone through menopause.
Brand names: Vagifem, Estrace
Chemical name: Estradiol
Side effects: Vaginal discharge, irritation, itching, and breast tenderness.
- Botox injections
Botox injections are a type of medication that is injected directly into the bladder muscle to help relax it and increase the bladder’s capacity. This medication is commonly used to treat urge incontinence and overactive bladder.
Brand names: Botox
Chemical name: Botulinum toxin
Side effects: Urinary tract infections, urinary retention, and difficulty emptying the bladder.
In conclusion, there are several types of incontinence medications available to help manage incontinence symptoms. However, each medication comes with its own set of potential side effects, and it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication. By working with a healthcare professional, individuals with incontinence can find the medication that works best for them and live their lives with more comfort and confidence.
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