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Medication for Bladder Spasms From Catheter

A bladder spasm occurs when the bladder is not able to remain relaxed. The bladder in its relaxed state is able to store urine, when it contracts or spasms the urine is expelled. A normal bladder expels urine when muscles are purposefully contracted. A complication that can arise from frequent use of a catheter is unwanted bladder spasms. Prescription medications may be the answer to this problem.

  1. Spasms Caused by a Catheter

    • When a bladder spasms from catheter use, these spasms are not controlled; unintentional urine loss results. This uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptom often arises in those who use indwelling catheters. Sometimes a catheter may become blocked and this may be the cause of the spasms. Clearing up the blockage would then end the spasms. If a blockage is not the cause of the spasms a removal of the catheter will often be enough to end the unwanted spasms.

    Antimscarinic Drugs

    • If a removal of the catheter is not an option Antimscarinic drugs can help treat the bladder spasms by decreasing the secretion of mucus’s that irritate the bladder. Medications that can help with the pain associated with the spasms include Analgesics, painkillers. Analgesics like belladonna and opium suppositories will help control the discomfort and the spasms.

    Pain Medication

    • A medication that will specifically target the pain, urgency, and irritation caused by the catheter and the spasms is Phenazopyridine hydrochloride. This drug is recommended only for short term use and treats the symptoms but not the problem. The drug is specifically noted for turning the users’ urine a bright orange.

    Using Antidepressants

    • Another drug that can help ease bladder spasms is imipramine hydrochloride (Tofranil). Usually used to treat depression, imipramine hydrochloride has been proven a viable treatment for bladder spasms as well. Common complaints with usage include dry mouth and fatigue.

    Anticholinergics

    • Drugs like Ditropan, Detrol and Levsin are anticholinergics and are used to relax the bladder. They can stop the frequency and urgency of the muscles contractions and stop unwanted spasms. Reported side effects for these drugs include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue and abdominal pain.

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