Urinary incontinence refers to the loss of bladder control. The causes of urinary incontinence include pelvic muscles being too weak, called stress incontinence; pelvic muscles being too active, called urge incontinence; or the blockage of normal urine flow, called overflow incontinence. The symptoms of urinary incontinence can range from mild leakage to uncontrollable wetting. Numerous drugs are available to help restore bladder control.
Anticholinergic Agents
Anticholinergic agents such as oxybutynin, enablex and sanctura are treatment options for patients with urge incontinence. Anticholinergic agents relax your smooth muscle tissue and exert antispasmodic effects on an overactive bladder by blocking acetylcholine, which triggers the controllable contractions of the bladder. Another treatment option for urge incontinence is botulinum toxin. Injecting this medication into the bladder paralyzes and helps relax overactive bladder muscles. Common side effects of anticholinergic agents are dry mouth, constipation and gastroesophageal reflux.
Topical Estrogen
Estrogen is an essential hormone that helps improve blood flow, maintain the integrity of muscles and tissues, enhance nerve function and prevent tissue deterioration in the urethra and vaginal areas. After menopause, estrogen levels decrease significantly, causing thinning and weakening of the urethra and vaginal tissues, known as urogenital atrophy. This results in urinary stress incontinence. According to MayoClinic.com, low-dose topical estrogen creams, rings or patches are effective in toning and rejuvenating the tissues in the urethra and vaginal areas. The rejuvenation and strengthening of the urethra and vaginal tissues helps in reducing the symptoms of urinary stress incontinence.
Imipramine
Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant used for the treatment of urinary urge and stress incontinence. Imipramine causes the muscles of the bladder to relax as well as causing the smooth muscles at the neck of the bladder to contract, notes Mercy Health System of Northwest Arkansas. Imipramine is available in 10, 25 and 50 mg tablets. Some common side effects associated with imipramine include dry mouth, nausea, constipation and blurry vision. Imipramine is not recommended for use in children under the age of 6.
