Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
darifenacin hydrobromide	Enablex
oxybutynin chloride	Ditropan, Ditropan XL, Oxytrol
solifenacin succinate	Vesicare
tolterodine tartrate	Detrol, Unidet
trospium chloride	Sanctura

How It Works

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

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

Many people taking these medicines have fewer problems with urinary incontinence.¹

Side Effects

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

Some of these medicines may cause you to sweat less. In hot weather, this could lead to heat exhaustion. Ask your health professional 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.

Citations

1. Payne CK (2002). Urinary incontinence: Nonsurgical management. In PC Walsh et al., eds., Campbell's Urology, 8th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1069–1091. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.