Health Library Anticholinergics and Antispasmodics for Urinary Incontinence in MenFrom Healthwise

These medicines calm the nerves that control bladder muscles. They may prevent uncontrollable bladder contractions that force urine out of the bladder.

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.

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

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.)

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.

Author:	Ralph Poore	Last Updated: August 10, 2006
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.