Medications and Continence

Medications can be very helpful in treating bladder control problems. However, in some people medications can affect bladder control and the ability to get to and use the toilet. This is more likely in older people who may be on several different types of medication. Usually for people with bladder control problems, medications are only part of a bigger picture. Sorting out a continence problem may well involve a lot more than just adjusting medications.

Medication may be very important for other aspects of a person's health. The decision to alter medication by stopping and/or adjusting the number and type of drugs should be done after careful thought and discussion with who ever prescribed the medication, usually a doctor.

Medications are known by a number of different names. Firstly they may be known by the 'class' effect. For example antibiotics are medications which act against bacteria which cause infections. Secondly they may be known by their specific name, for example a particular antibiotic used for urinary tract infections is Trimethoprim. Finally the drug may have a trade name, which is the particular brand a drug company manufactures, for example brands of Trimethoprim are Triprim (made by Glaxo Wellcome) and TMP (made by Pacific).

In the table, the first column is the general classes of drug, the second column contains particular specific examples with some brands of the specific examples in brackets, and the third column describes the usual use and potential effects on bladder control. These effects, intended or otherwise, do not happen to everyone. This list is not a complete list. Brands may change and many different medications may be found to contribute to or help with bladder control problems. Looking up the medication in a drug information book such as 'New Ethicals', discussion with a pharmacist, reading the manufacturer's material, or discussion with a doctor or health professional may all be needed to decide what is best for a particular person.

Do you have any questions?

Other titles available include:

• Good Bladder Habits
• Bladder Control Problems in Women
• Urinary Symptoms in Men
• Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Women
• Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Men
• Bladder Retraining
• Incontinence in Children-Bedwetting &
• Daytime Problems
• Healthy Bowel - Bowel Control Problems
• Dementia & Urinary Incontinence
• Older People & Continence Problems
• Medications & Continence (for health professionals)

For information pamphlets on bladder and bowel control problems - contact the
New Zealand Continence Association