What Drugs Can Cause Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a condition where the bladder leaks urine. Many issues can contribute to urinary incontinence, such as past pregnancies, infections, surgery, prostate problems and even certain medications. According to Merck, nearly one in three older people will suffer from urinary incontinence. The bladder contains a muscle known as the destruser bladder muscle. If the muscle becomes overstimulated or blocked as the result of taking a certain medication, urinary incontinence can occur.

Antihypertensive Medications

• Antihypertensive drugs are used to lower high blood pressure. In an article by Dr. Frederick R. Jelovsek, "Drugs That Cause Urinary Incontinence," antihypertensive medications are one of the leading causes of urinary incontinence. Medicines such as Aldomet, Diupres and Hydropres make the urethral muscles relax, which causes urine to leak from the urethra. Other medications may include Minipress, Hytrin and Cardura.

Diuretecs

• Diuretics can cause urinary incontinence. If you already suffer from urinary incontinence, diuretics can exacerbate the condition. Diuretics stimulate urine production of the bladder. If you suffer from a weakened bladder, an influx of created urine can cause your bladder to leak. Pills such as Lasix, Diuril, Bronkodyl and Bumex can cause urinary incontinence.

Hormonal Therapy

• Hormonal therapy drugs refer to those medications used for menopausal symptoms. Medications used for hormonal therapy can create urinary incontinence. According to Merck, estrogen-progestin combination therapy can create or worsen incontinence in women. This is only a factor with medications taken orally rather than topical ointments or creams.

Opiods

• Opioids such as Codeine, Morphine or Oxycodone can exacerbate symptoms of urinary incontinence. Opioids can cause constipation. As a result, a person may strain to have a bowel movement, which then puts increased pressure on the bladder. This can create leakage. Opioids can also impede contractions of the bladder, which can cause the bladder to hold in more urine. An overflow of urine may then result.

Anticholinergic

• Drugs that contain anticholinergic effects can cause urinary incontinence. Anticholinergic effects refer to drugs that can cause the action of acetycholine to become blocked. Acetycholine helps in the function of memory and learning. Drugs such as antidepressants and antipsychotics fall into this category. An effect of taking such medications can be the result of the bladder not being able to contract properly. Urine will be retained, often resulting in leakage.

Other Causes

• Alcohol can also cause urinary incontinence. Alcohol can desensitize the urethra as well as increase urine production. If you already suffer from urinary incontinence, drinking too many alcoholic beverages can exacerbate your condition. Sedatives and sleeping aids, such as Diazepam, Ativan or Dalmane can make you unaware of the need to urinate. As a result, the bladder will continually fill up with urine. As the bladder increases with urine, the bladder responds by releasing urine to avoid being ruptured and distending.