Urinary incontinence is a condition in which the bladder is unable to control urination. Sometimes incontinence can occur as a result of weakened bladder muscles. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that 20 million women and six million men in the United States have experienced urinary incontinence at one point in their lives. Fortunately, medications for urinary incontinence exist.
Hyoscyamine
Hyoscyamine, commonly sold as Anaspaz, Hyospaz or Levbid, is a medication that treats urinary incontinence by reducing muscle spasms in the bladder, digestive tract or kidneys, according to Drugs.com. Hyoscyamine's less serious effects include a dry mouth, a headache, blurry vision, drowsiness, decreased sweating and heartburn. Some of its serious side effects include confusion, hallucinations, an irregular heartbeat and diarrhea. Phone a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Inform your doctor if you suffer from high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, heart disease or a hiatal hernia, as these conditions may require a decrease in hyoscyamine's dose. Hyoscyamine is a pill taken daily or as prescribed.
Tolterodine
Tolterodine, commonly sold as Detrol, treats urinary incontinence, urinary frequency and urgency. Drugs.com says that tolterodine specifically decreases the muscle spasms that occur in the bladder muscles. Tolterodine's less serious side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, a headache, joint pain and constipation. Some of tolterodine's serious side effects include confusion, hallucinations, decreased urination and painful or difficult urination. Call a doctor when tolterodine leads to these effects. Make sure your doctor knows if you suffer from kidney or liver disease, glaucoma or myasthenia gravis, as these conditions may require a decrease in tolterodine's dose. Tolterodine is a pill taken daily or as prescribed.
Darifenacin
Darifenacin, commonly sold as Enablex, is an antimuscarinic medication that treats an overactive bladder. MedlinePlus says that darifenacin relaxes bladder muscles so that frequent and uncontrolled urination does not occur. Some of darifenacin's less concerning side effects include diarrhea, weakness, dry eyes, constipation and a dry mouth. Some of its serious side effects include itching, a rash, trouble urinating and burning pain. Taking medications such as ipatropium, itraconazole, clarithromycin or ketoconazole may require a decrease in darifenacin's dose. Darifenacin is a capsule or liquid taken daily or as prescribed.
