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Polypharmacy and its effect on urinary incontinence in a geriatric population
E A Gormley1, D J Griffiths, P N McCracken
1Department of Applied Sciences in Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
British Journal of Urology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Many common medications can affect bladder control in older adults. Some drugs, like calcium channel blockers, may reduce urine loss in patients with urge incontinence.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
- Urology
Background:
- Medication use is common in the elderly.
- Many non-urological drugs can impact lower urinary tract function.
- The relationship between medication and incontinence requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between medications and incontinence in elderly patients.
- To identify specific drug classes that may influence lower urinary tract symptoms.
- To compare urodynamic findings in patients taking different medications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 128 elderly patients in an incontinence study.
- Analysis of up to 18 non-topical medications per patient.
- Classification of urologically active drugs by mode of action.
- Comparison of urodynamic findings based on medication use.
Main Results:
- 62% of patients were taking up to 4 potentially urologically active drugs.
- Calcium channel blockers (21%) and tricyclic antidepressants (12%) were most common.
- Patients on calcium channel blockers showed significantly less urine loss with urge incontinence.
- Tricyclic antidepressants showed a non-significant trend towards reduced urine loss.
Conclusions:
- Medications prescribed for non-urological conditions can affect bladder function in the elderly.
- Certain drugs, such as calcium channel blockers, may offer a beneficial effect on urge incontinence.
- Adverse effects on incontinence are possible with other medications, like beta-blockers.