Anticholinergics and antispasmodics for urinary incontinence in men

Examples

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Brand Name	Generic Name
Enablex	darifenacin hydrobromide

Brand Name	Generic Name
Toviaz	fesoterodine

Brand Name	Generic Name
Oxytrol	oxybutynin chloride

Brand Name	Generic Name
Vesicare	solifenacin succinate

Brand Name	Generic Name
Detrol LA	tolterodine tartrate

Brand Name	Generic Name
Sanctura XR	trospium chloride

How It Works

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

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Citations

1. Nitti VW, Blaivas JG (2007). Urinary incontinence: Epidemiology, pathophysiology, evaluation, and management overview. In AJ Wein et al., eds., Campbell-Walsh Urology, 9th ed., vol. 3, pp. 2046–2078. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.

Credits

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Author	Monica Rhodes
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
Last Updated	July 21, 2008