Pharmacology: impact on bladder function

While numerous medications are effective in improving bladder function, others are implicated in the impairment of bladder function. The elderly patient in particular is vulnerable to a range of adverse effects from medications, including urinary incontinence. Information dealing with the basics of the interaction between voiding and drug receptors associated with the bladder is presented as background for the discussion of pharmacologic therapies for stress, urge, reflex, and overflow urinary incontinence. The most clinically significant medications in terms of effectiveness, dosage, pharmacokinetics, and side effects are noted with mention of drugs currently being researched. Over-the-counter, prescription and social drugs that may contribute to impaired bladder function are identified. Other nonpharmacologic therapies that may be used concomitantly with pharmacotherapy or in isolation are noted.