Treatment of urge urinary incontinence

If changing your diet, or bladder training and pelvic floor exercises haven’t worked, your doctor may suggest medication to help treat urge incontinence.

Muscarinic receptor antagonists

Muscarinic receptor antagonists (also called anticholinergics) work by relaxing the bladder muscles. This helps calm the bladder, so you don’t feel the sudden need to pee as often and can avoid leaks.

There are different types of muscarinic receptor antagonist medications. Most come as tablets. Some are taken once a day and work for 24 hours, while others need to be taken more often but start working quickly. One type, Oxybutynin, also comes as a cream or skin patch if you don’t want to take a tablet.

What are the side effects?

These medicines usually have mild side effects, like:

• A dry mouth.
• Dry eyes.
• Constipation.
• Trouble peeing.
• Blurred vision, or dizziness.

In older adults, they may also affect memory or cause confusion, especially with Oxybutynin.

If the side effects bother you, your doctor can change the dose or try a different medication to help you feel better.

Mirabegron

Mirabegron is a medication used to treat urge incontinence. It works by relaxing the bladder muscle. This relaxation makes it easier for your bladder to hold urine for longer and reduces the sudden, urgent need to go to the bathroom.

What are the side effects?

Many people do well with Mirabegron, but some may have a few side effects, including:

• Headaches.
• Dry mouth.
• Dizziness.
• Constipation (when you have difficulty passing stool).
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs).

You shouldn’t take Mirabegron if you have a high blood pressure that isn’t treated with medication. It’s important to have your blood pressure under control first.

Oestrogen

Oestrogen is mostly used for stress incontinence, but it can also help people with urge incontinence by keeping the bladder, urethra, and nearby muscles strong and flexible.

Doctors usually give oestrogen as a cream, ring, or tablet that goes into the vagina instead of a pill or patch, because it helps the bladder better.

This chapter contains general information about treatment options for urge urinary incontinence. If you have any specific questions about your own medical situation you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. No website or leaflet can replace a personal conversation with your doctor.

Last updated: February 2025