Oral medications are the initial mode of treatment for urge incontinence. Oxybutynin chloride (Ditropan) and tolterodine (Detrol) are anticholinergic medications that cause relaxation of the smooth muscle of the bladder, and are therefore effective in patients with urge incontinence. Ditropan is initially prescribed at 5 mg doses 2-3 times daily. The sustained-release form (Ditropan XL) is given once daily. Detrol is begun with 1-2 mg two times daily. The tricyclic antidepressant agent imipramine (Tofranil) has a similar effect on the bladder, and is usually started at a dose of 25 mg nightly. All three of these medications may result in what are known as anticholinergic side effects, the most common of which is dry mouth. Others include dry eyes, constipation, blurred vision, and even the complete inability to urinate.
