Incontinence refers to a medical problem in which people cannot control their bowel movements and urination. In some cases the muscles that control these functions become weaker due to childbirth or an underlying medical disease. Incontinence can be an embarrassing condition, but if you suffer from uncontrolled bowel movements and urination your doctor may be able to prescribe medication that will help.
Oxybutynin
Oxybutynin, commonly sold under the brand name Ditropan, specifically controls an overactive bladder. This is a condition in which the bladder muscles are weakened, resulting in frequent urination. Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic medication that relaxes the bladder muscle walls to prevent frequent or uncontrolled urination, according to Medline Plus. The drug's less concerning side effects include diarrhea, nausea, constipation, flushing, nervousness and back or joint pain. Oxybutynin's serious side effects include a fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat. Phone a doctor if this occurs. Oxybutynin is available as a tablet, syrup or an extended-release tablet. Typically, the tablet and syrup are taken two to four times daily. The extended-release tablet is taken once daily.
Tolterodine
Tolterodine, commonly sold as Detrol, is used to treat an overactive bladder. Symptoms of this disease include urinary frequency, urgency and incontinence. Some of tolterodine's less serious side effects include joint pain or a headache, diarrhea and constipation. In some instances, tolterodine leads to stomach pain or stomach upset, blurry vision, a dry mouth and dry eyes. Its serious side effects include confusion, hallucinations, chest pain and an uneven heart rate. A change in tolterodine's dose may be required when suffering from such diseases as glaucoma, liver or kidney disease and myasthenia gravis. Tolterodine is a tablet taken twice daily.
Diphenoxylate and Atropine
Diphenoxylate and atropine, a combination commonly sold as Lomotil or Lonox, treats fecal incontinence. It is typically used to control bouts of diarrhea. Diphenoxylate and atropine's serious side effects include bloating, severe stomach pain, trouble breathing and convulsions, according to Medline Plus. In some instances, this medication leads to a poor appetite, swelling, pounding heartbeat and dryness of the nose, mouth or skin. Notify a physician if these effects develop. Diphenoxylate and atropine can also lead to drowsiness. Do not drink alcohol or operate heavy machinery while taking this medication. The diphenoxylate and atropine combination is available in a tablet or liquid taken four times daily.
