Pharmacology of continence and micturition

Knowledge of the neurophysiology and nueropharmacology of the lower urinary tract is necessary for proper utilization of drugs to manage disorders of continence and micturition. It is also important in understanding the urologic manifestations of common drugs used for nonurologic indications. In general, bladder activity is augmented by cholinergic (muscarinic) drugs and is depressed by antimuscarinic drugs. Drugs with alpha-adrenergic activity tend to increase bladder outlet resistance, while drugs with alpha-adrenergic blocking activity tend to decrease bladder outlet resistance.