Overactive Bladder in the Elderly
Clinical Overview

Reversible Incontinence

	Disease Conditions			Medications			Selected References

Medications

Several medications, diseases, or other conditions can impact continence status and lead to incontinent episodes. These factors are considered to be reversible incontinence because removing or abating the factor often restores continence. General categories of medications that may contribute to incontinence include:

cardiovascular agents diuretics agents affecting the central nervous system (CNS) e.g. narcotics, sedatives, antidepressants agents with anticholinergic side effects miscellaneous e.g. antihistamines, decongestants

Table 1 lists specific medications that can contribute to UI and the rationale for the mechanism by which they cause UI. Dietary and social habits may cause bladder irritation due to ingestion of caffeinated, carbonated, or alcoholic beverages, resulting in UI.

Table 1: Medications that may contribute to UI (rationale based on type of UI)