Bladder control medication for urinary incontinence, such as oxybutynin, trospium chloride, or estrogen, may be prescribed by a clinician because these options can reduce bladder contractions or improve urethral sphincter function, thereby decreasing episodes of urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence is common and can affect anyone, but it is more frequent in women over age 45. Symptoms can include urine leakage onto clothing after physical exertion or following a sudden, strong urge to urinate.
Medications for urinary incontinence should only be used with medical guidance, typically when other approaches (such as physical therapy exercises) have not adequately controlled symptoms. In addition, these medications should not be used during pregnancy or by people with conditions such as glaucoma.
Common medications
Bladder control medication that may be prescribed for urinary incontinence includes:
1. Mirabegron
Mirabegron is used to treat urge incontinence in adults, when there is a sudden and difficult-to-control urge to urinate, often associated with overactive bladder.
It works by relaxing the bladder muscle, which helps the bladder store more urine and release a larger amount with each urination, allowing it to empty more completely.
Brand names: mirabegron is available in the US under the brand name Myrbetriq (tablets) and should be used only with medical guidance.
2. Oxybutynin
Oxybutynin is a bladder control medication that acts directly on bladder muscle to increase storage capacity, and it may be prescribed for adults with difficulty holding urine, urinary urgency, or neurogenic bladder.
It may also be prescribed for nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) in children older than 5 years, and it should be used only with a pediatrician’s guidance.
Brand names: oxybutynin is available under brand names such as Ditropan, including tablet and syrup forms, and as generic oxybutynin.
3. Darifenacin hydrobromide
Darifenacin hydrobromide may be prescribed for overactive bladder symptoms that cause a sudden urge to urinate and/or frequent urination.
It works by relaxing the bladder muscle and increasing bladder storage capacity, which can reduce involuntary leakage.
Brand names: darifenacin hydrobromide is sold in tablet form under the brand name Enablex and generic darifenacin hydrobromide. It is indicated only for adults over 18 years old and should be used under medical supervision.
4. Solifenacin succinate
Solifenacin succinate may be prescribed for urge incontinence or overactive bladder in adults older than 18 years of age, since it helps relax the bladder muscle and reduce contractions that can lead to involuntary leakage.
Brand names: solifenacin succinate is available under the brand name Vesicare and as generic solifenacin.
5. Imipramine
Imipramine is an antidepressant that may be prescribed for urge incontinence or overactive bladder in adults, because it can decrease bladder contractions and increase urethral resistance, which may reduce urine leakage.
Brand names: imipramine is available under the brand name Tofranil and as generic imipramine, and it is dispensed by prescription.
6. Trospium chloride
Trospium chloride is an antispasmodic medication for the urinary tract that may be prescribed for urge incontinence and overactive or irritable bladder. It works by reducing involuntary bladder contractions and supporting urethral sphincter function, which can reduce urine leakage.
It should be used only with medical guidance in adults older than 18 years.
Brand names: trospium may be sold under the brand name Sanctura as well as the generic trospium.
7. Tamsulosin
Tamsulosin may be prescribed for urge incontinence in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), because it relaxes muscles in the bladder and prostate, which can improve urine flow and make it easier to empty the bladder.
It should be used only with medical guidance and is available by prescription.
Brand names: tamsulosin is available under the brand name Flomax and as generic tamsulosin hydrochloride.
8. Estrogen
Estrogen, such as estradiol, in the form of tablets, patches, gel, cream, or a vaginal ring, may be prescribed as hormone replacement therapy for women with urinary incontinence related to menopause.
This medication works by increasing urethral closing pressure, improving blood flow, and enhancing the quality of the tissue that lines the urethra and vagina, thereby reducing the likelihood of incontinence.
Brand names: estradiol is sold under the brand names Estrace (tablets or cream), Estring (vaginal ring), and patches such as Climara or Vivelle-Dot, while estradiol gel is available as EstroGel.