Drugs to Treat Bladder Spasms

Everyone has most likely encountered a situation in their lives when they have had to literally cross the legs in order to reach the nearest restroom without leaking. However, there is a huge difference between the urge to have to go to the restroom and always have the urgency to go to the restroom. This may be a condition that needs to be treated. In this article, we look at some of the effective drugs for bladder spasms.

Normally, urine is filled in the bladder over a period time which is variable from some minutes to a few hours depending on the amount of fluid intake and once filled the individual gets the urge to go to the restroom. In people with bladder spasms, a sensation of the need to urinate comes suddenly and severely. Spasm is defined as a sudden and involuntary contraction of muscles. Bladder spasm which is also known by the name of detrusor contraction develops when there is sudden involuntary contraction of the bladder causing a sudden urge to urinate. At times, bladder spasm forces urine to come out of the bladder leading to leakage. This medical condition is termed as overactive bladder or urge incontinence. Sufferers of these spasms describe the symptoms as cramping like pain with burning sensation.

Common causes of bladder spasms include urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis and catheter use.

• Certain nervous system disorders like brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, spinal injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, herpes zoster infection, and diabetic neuropathy can also cause these spasms.
• Any type of damage to the bladder muscles, bladder surgery, Caesarean section, hysterectomy, prostatectomy and other lower abdominal surgery can also lead to bladder spasms.
• Spicy, acidic, or citrusy foods, some chemicals in certain food additives and preservatives, caffeinated beverages, chocolate, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and pickled foods can irritate the lining of the bladder in some people and cause bladder spasms.
• Even medications like bethanechol, valrubicin, and diuretics like furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide can trigger this bladder problem.
• Anyone can have bladder spasms irrespective of age. However, bladder spasms leading to urinary incontinence or dribbling most often occurs in elderly, diabetics, menopausal females or ones who have recently delivered a baby, and obese people.

For patients suffering from bladder spasms, that feeling is a painful reality which can lead to embarrassing wetting accidents and an undesired shift in lifestyle. However, a variety of treatment options are available today which can help manage the symptoms effectively. Some drugs for bladder spasms include effective in managing this condition.

The random contractions of the bladder muscles can be controlled with the help of anticholinergics drugs. Some such anticholinergics medication, considered the best drugs for bladder spasms, which can help the bladder relax and retain urine are:

• Detrol – Detrol contains tolterodine, which promotes urine retention in the bladder by keeping the detrusor muscle of the bladder from contracting and pushing out the urine. While it is one of the commonest prescribed drugs for bladder spasms, it should never be used by people suffering from gastric retention, urinary retention, or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. Abdominal pain, dry mouth, headache and constipation are adverse effects of this drug.
• Ditropan – Ditropan, or oxybutynin chloride, is an antispasmodic drug which works on the smooth bladder muscles, to increase the bladder capacity and decrease the contractions of the detrusor muscle. This helps to delay the need to urinate and effectively treat urge urinary incontinence, frequency, and urgency. The side effect profile of Ditropan consists of nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea and constipation. This drug for bladder spasms should not be consumed by people suffering from urinary retention, myasthenia gravis, and chronic cases of hepatic or renal impairment.
• Enablex – Overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and increased urinary frequency can be treated with darifenacin. This medication is not recommended for patients with urinary or gastric retention, and narrow-angled glaucoma. UTI, constipation, and dry mouth are the most commonly seen side effects of this drug. Heat prostration can occur due to decreased perspiration if this drug is used in a hot environment.
• Other Medications – Other anticholinergics drugs for bladder spasms include mirabegron, oxybutynin, trospium chloride, and solifenacin. The commonly seen side effects of these drugs are dry mouth and constipation.

Imipramine hydrochloride which is an antidepressant drug has also proven to be helpful in relaxing bladder to reduce bladder spasms. Alpha-blockers, like doxazosin or terazosin are sometimes used for relaxing the bladder and allowing bladder to become completely empty. However, all these drugs for bladder spasms need to be used only with medical advice and as prescribed by the physician.

Also Read:

• Gallbladder Pain: Classification, Types, Pathophysiology, Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis
• Bladder Pain: Pathophysiology, Etiology, Risk Factors, Signs, Symptoms, Treatment
• Bladder Tamponade: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
• Urinary Bladder Rupture: Causes, Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
• What is Neurogenic Bladder?
• Bladder Training for Women to Prevent Overactive Bladder and Incontinence
• What is Bladder Pain Syndrome or Interstitial Cystitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Complications