When it comes to bladder dysfunction problems, doctors always prescribe medications to treat them because most conditions are curable and manageable with medications. Learn different bladder dysfunction medication classes, how it works, and side effects in this article. You can contact us by visiting our clinic or visiting our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com.

Bladder Dysfunction medications

The first line of bladder dysfunction treatment is medications. Medications can ease your symptoms and help to return your bladder function to normal. Here are the different classes of medicines used to treat bladder dysfunction based on your symptoms and underlying cause of bladder dysfunction:

1. Anticholinergics:

These drugs are used to block the action of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that sends signals to your brain to stimulate bladder contractions. As a result, this drug lowers the abnormal bladder contractions linked with an overactive bladder. These bladder contractions often cause urge incontinence even when your bladder isn’t full.

Your doctor may prescribe any of the following anticholinergic medications:

• Oxybutynin (Ditropan®), oxybutynin XL (Ditropan XL®), oxybutynin TDDS (Oxytrol®).
• Tolterodine (Detrol®).
• Solifenacin (Vesicare®).
• Fesoterodine (Toviaz®).
• Darifenacin (Enablex®).
• Trospium (Sanctura XR®).
• Oxybutynin Gel (Gelnique®)

These drugs are available in the form of a pill or tablet taken by mouth; however, oxybutynin is also available in the form of a gel or skin patch that delivers a continuous amount of medication. It may take up to 12 weeks (about 3 months) to experience the full effect of this drug.

Side effects

The most common side effects you may experience with this drug are dry mouth and constipation. In case you take its extended-release form which is taken once a day it may cause fewer side effects.

You can manage dry mouth by sucking hard candy or chewing gum to produce more saliva. Other rare side effects include heartburn, blurry vision, rapid heartbeat, flushed skin, and trouble urinating. You also may experience cognitive side effects such as trouble with memory and confusion. If you use an oxybutynin skin patch, then you may experience skin irritation, to prevent this, your doctor may suggest rotating the location of your patch.

2. Mirabegron:

This medication is also used to treat certain types of urinary incontinence. It is used to relax the bladder muscle and increase the amount of urine your bladder can hold. It also helps empty your bladder more completely. This medication is available in the form of tablets or granules.

Side effects

You may experience side effects such as nausea, constipation, dizziness, and headache. It can also increase blood pressure. That’s why you should be monitored when you take this drug.

This drug can also interact with other medications, so you need to tell your doctor what medications you’re taking before you start this medication.

3. Onabotulinum Toxin type A (Botox):

Botox injections are used to block chemical messengers (acetylcholine) that cause abnormal bladder contractions and paralyze the bladder muscle. People with overactive bladder or urge incontinence may get benefits from these injections, who don’t respond well to other medications. Its benefits last for several months, so you need to repeat them once or twice a year.

Side effects

Studies have found that Botox can significantly improve symptoms of incontinence and work well for overactive bladder with very few side effects. Some research shows it may increase urinary tract infections, but the data is insufficient. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns about the adverse reactions it may cause for both approved and unapproved use. It may include stopping breathing and death.

4. Imipramine:

This medicine is used to relax the bladder muscle while causing the smooth muscles at the bladder neck to contract. It is also used to treat different causes of mixed incontinence, a combination of urge and stress urinary incontinence. It may cause drowsiness, especially at night. That’s why it may be useful for nighttime incontinence. It is also helpful for children who get their beds wet at night, however, it’s not very suitable for older adults.

Side effects

Serious side effects are rare; however, they can cause heart and blood vessel problems. You may experience irregular heartbeat and dizziness or faint from low blood pressure when you stand up quickly. Children and older adults are more prone to these side effects.

Other less serious side effects may include dry mouth, blurry vision, and constipation. It can also interact with other medications as well. So, make sure you let your doctor know all the medications you’re taking before you start this medicine.

5. Duloxetine:

This medication is used to relax the muscles that control urination and improve bladder leaks in some people. This medication is recommended for people who have urinary incontinence and depression because it works as an antidepressant approved to treat depression and anxiety.

Side effects

You may experience nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, insomnia, and fatigue. People with chronic liver disease shouldn’t take this medicine. That’s why your doctor should know your full medical history before starting this medication.

6. Desmopressin:

This medicine contains a synthetic form of natural hormone (antidiuretic hormone) that the body produces. This directs the kidneys to make less urine. Although, it is not prescribed for adult women with overactive bladder or stress incontinence; it is prescribed to children who often wet their beds. It is also used to treat diabetes insipidus.

Side effects

It rarely causes any side effects, however, if you experience headaches, stomach cramps, nausea, reddening of the skin, stuffy or runny nose, or pain in the genital area.

7. Pentosan polysulfate sodium:

This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of bladder pain, urinary frequency, and urinary urgency caused by painful bladder syndrome. Doctors don’t know how it works, but they believe that it may repair defects that may occur in the lining of the bladder.

Side effects

It only causes minor gastrointestinal discomfort. However, some patients also experience some hair loss, but their hair comes back when they stop taking the drug. Researchers found no problem with the interaction between pentosan and other medications.

Before prescribing this medicine, the doctor will order regular blood tests to check your liver function. As this medicine is never used in pregnant women, that’s why it is not recommended during pregnancy, except in the most severe cases.

Bladder dysfunction medications are available in different types and classes to treat different bladder dysfunction conditions and symptoms. Most medications may cause minor side effects, except in certain cases. That’s why the doctor recommends checking your medical history and medication to prevent severe side effects of the medication’s interaction with other medications or body functions.

If you need help with your bladder dysfunction problems, visit our urology clinic in Brooklyn for professional medical diagnosis and treatment. You can schedule an appointment with Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center’s best urologist in Brooklyn and inquire about your concerns. Our specialists will work with you in managing your condition. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/.