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        Urologic Diseases
        Bladder Control Medicines
                Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence)
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                The Urinary Tract & How It WorksBladder Control Medicines
Medicines for bladder control generally work by blocking signals that may cause muscle spasms in the bladder. A group of drugs called antispasmodics are usually the first drugs your doctor will consider for treating bladder control problems. Another group of medicines, called tricyclic antidepressants, may be considered, although these drugs are primarily intended to treat depression. Tricyclic antidepressants can calm nerve signals and decrease spasms in the bladder muscles.
Antispasmodics
Other Names for This Medicine**Brand Name**
			**Generic Name**Detrol
    		tolterodineDitropan
    		oxybutynin chlorideEnablex
    		darifenacinLevsin
    		hyoscyamineSanctura
    		trospium chlorideVESIcare
    		solifenacin succinateExtended-release forms of oxybutynin and tolterodine are now available.
    
**Brand Name**
			**Generic Name**Detrol LA
            tolterodine extended releaseDitropan XL
            oxybutynin extended releaseOxybutynin also comes in a patch that may decrease the side effects.   
**Brand Name**
			**Generic Name**Oxytrol
            oxybutynin patch delivery system**Side effects.** Antispasmodics can cause your eyes to become sensitive to light. These medicines also keep you from sweating and can cause dry mouth. If you take any of these medicines, you may need to take a few steps to deal with side effects.
Wear sunglasses if your eyes become more sensitive to light.
	Take care not to become overheated.
	Chew gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to avoid dry mouth.Tricyclic Antidepressants
Other Names for This Medicine**Brand Name**
		**Generic Name**Elavil
            amitriptylinePamelor
            nortriptylineSinequan
            doxepinTofranil
            imipramine**Side effects.** Tricyclic antidepressants can cause your vision to blur when you read, dry mouth, constipation, and light-headedness when you stand after sitting.
Antidiuretic
Other Names for This Medicine**Brand Name**
			**Generic Name**DDAVP
            desmopressinDDAVP Nasal Spray
            desmopressinDDAVP Rhinal Tube
            desmopressinDDVP
            desmopressinStimate Nasal Spray
            desmopressinDesmopressin is a man-made form of a natural hormone that your body makes. The hormone, called antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin, directs the kidneys to make less urine. The urine is therefore more concentrated. Desmopressin is not usually prescribed for adult women with overactive bladder or stress incontinence. It is more often used to treat bedwetting in children. It is also used to treat a condition called diabetes insipidus.
	**Side effects.** Desmopressin rarely causes side effects, but you should call your doctor if you have headaches, stomach cramps, nausea, reddening of the skin, a stuffy or runny nose, or pain in the genital area.
Interstitial Cystitis Medicine
Other Names for This Medicine**Brand Name**
			**Generic Name**Elmiron
			pentosan polysulfate sodiumPentosan is approved to treat the symptoms of bladder pain, urinary frequency, and urinary urgency that characterize interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome. Doctors do not know exactly how it works, but one theory is that it may repair defects that might have developed in the lining of the bladder.
	**Side effects.** Pentosan's side effects are limited primarily to minor gastrointestinal discomfort. A small minority of patients experience some hair loss, but hair grows back when they stop taking the drug. Researchers have found no negative interactions between pentosan and other medications.
	Your doctor will order regular blood tests to monitor your liver function while you take pentosan.
	Because pentosan has not been tested in pregnant women, the manufacturer recommends that it not be used during pregnancy, except in the most severe cases.
All drugs-even those sold over the counter-have potential side effects. Patients should always consult a doctor before using any drug for an extended amount of time.This information may contain content about medications and, when taken as prescribed, the conditions they treat. When prepared, this content included the most current information available. For updates or for questions about any medications, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration toll-free at 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) or visit www.fda.gov. Consult your health care provider for more information.The U.S. Government does not endorse or favor any specific commercial product or company. Trade, proprietary, or company names appearing in this document are used only because they are considered necessary in the context of the information provided. If a product is not mentioned, the omission does not mean or imply that the product is unsatisfactory.        Last Reviewed April 2014
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