Home
Health Encyclopedia
Print
Search Clinical Content Search Patient Health Library
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings

Treating Incontinence in Women with Medicine

Urinary incontinence is the leaking of urine from the bladder. In some cases, medicine can reduce or stop the leaking. It's mainly given for urge incontinence, a sudden need to urinate that is hard to delay. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about your choices. Make sure to ask what side effects to expect.

Woman talking to pharmacist.

Below are some types of medicines that may help with urge incontinence.

Types of medicine

  • Anticholinergics or beta-3 adrenergics. These may increase how much urine the bladder can hold. They may also help relax bladder muscles. The most common side effects of anticholinergic medicines are dry mouth and constipation. Sucking on sugar-free candy or chewing gum and supplementing your diet with fiber may prevent these side effects.

  • Estrogen. This may help improve muscle tone in the urethra and bladder.

  • Antibiotics. These are used to treat urinary tract infections.

  • Botulinum toxin. Injection of botulinum toxin into the bladder muscle is an option when other medicines are not effective. Botulinum toxin injection can be effective in treating urine leakage for up to 6 months. If successful, this treatment may be repeated.

Tips for taking medicine

  • Take your medicine on time and as your healthcare provider tells you to.

  • Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects. Your dosage may be adjusted if needed.

  • Be patient. It may take time to find the right dose for you.

  • Keep a list of the medicines you take. Show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist before you buy over-the-counter medicines.

Online Medical Reviewer: Lalitha Kadali
Online Medical Reviewer: Melinda Murray Ratini DO
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2024
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Powered by Krames by WebMD Ignite
Copyright © The StayWell Company, LLC. except where otherwise noted.

These resources and their content are provided by a third party for informational purposes and do not necessarily reflect the values and positions of Ascension, its ministries, or its subsidiaries.

About StayWell | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer

The Services may integrate with Third-Party Apps or contain third-party content or provide links to third-party websites. For example, the Services may integrate with Third-Party App providers to provide you with information. You authorize Ascension to transmit information about You to and receive information about You from applicable third parties.
You agree that Ascension is not responsible for Third-Party Apps, third-party content or third-party websites, and does not make any endorsements, representations or warranties regarding the same. Your use thereof is at Your own risk and subject to the third party’s terms and conditions, as applicable. By using a Third-Party App or third-party content or websites, You agree to the applicable third party’s terms and conditions, even if Ascension does not present them to You at the time of Your use.