The most important component of comprehensive treatment of urinary incontinence is drug therapy. Tablets for enuresis, in combination with positive motivation, physiotherapy methods , psychotherapy, help the patient get rid of a delicate problem. Although the ultimate goal of medication is to stop bedwetting , treatment success can be considered if the incontinence episodes are reduced by 50%.
Drug therapy rules
Medicines for enuresis should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor. You cannot independently cancel medications, change the dosage recommended by a specialist, adjust or change the course of therapy.
If the patient has an intolerance to the prescribed medication, side effects have appeared, you should contact a specialist: he will replace the remedy and select another, the most suitable one. Any prescription of medications should take place under the supervision of a physician.
To date, the following incontinence pills are actively used in adults and children:
- Aimed at reducing the formation of urine ( Desmopressin ).
- Having anticholinergic action ( Oxybutynin ).
- Tricyclic antidepressants ( imipramine ).
- Preparations of other groups ( Kanephron , antibacterial agents, nootropics ).
Desmopressin
The drug is a synthetic analogue of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. Available in tablet form called Minirin . The drug Adiuretin contains the same active ingredient, but is available in the form of a solution for injection and nasal drops.
Desmopressin is safe for the treatment of bedwetting in children, and it is also used to treat urinary incontinence in adults. Selectively acting on certain kidney receptors, the drug reduces the intensity of urine formation at night.
Minirin is available in dosages of 0.1 and 0.2 mg by the Swedish company Ferring Pharmaceuticals . The initial dose for children over five years old and adults is 0.1-0.2 mg 3 times a day. Then, depending on the individual reaction of the body, the doctor adjusts the daily dosage.
The course of therapy is on average 3 months; during treatment, fluid intake should be limited, especially in the evening. The question of the need for a subsequent course of therapy is decided by the doctor after a week’s break in taking the pills.
A side effect of Minirin can become hyponatremia . The clinical symptoms of this electrolyte imbalance are headache, dyspepsia, nausea, and vomiting. The appearance of side effects, as well as individual intolerance are the basis for the doctor’s discontinuation of the pills.
Oxybutynin
The agent belongs to antagonists of M- cholinergic receptors and has an antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of the bladder. Oksibutirin ( Driptan ) increases the capacity of the retaining organ urine reduces spasm detrusor holding back urination, and decreases the number of them.
The release form of the drug is tablets at a dosage of 5 mg. The therapeutic dose is 0.3-0.4 mg / kg of body weight per day and is divided into 2-3 doses.
Tablets can be prescribed for children after 5 years and adults. Side effects of Driptan treatment can be: dry mouth, feeling of heat throughout the body, constipation, general weakness, abdominal pain.
The drug is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, intestinal atony, glaucoma, severe colitis, obstructive uropathy , pregnancy and lactation.
Tricyclic antidepressants
This group of drugs includes Imipramine , Melipramine . The mechanism of action of tricyclic antidepressants is still under study. They have been shown to improve the nighttime sleep of children with enuresis , increase bladder capacity and decrease bladder contractility, which can lead to less urinary incontinence .
The dosage of tablets is selected by the doctor individually for each age group. The appointment of Imipramine in some cases may be limited due to serious side effects: psychomotor and mental disorders, pronounced cardiotoxic effects, and the development of gastrointestinal diseases are possible . Tricyclic antidepressants are currently used in the treatment of bedwetting much less frequently than several decades ago.
Other groups of drugs
For secondary urinary incontinence, other pills may be recommended, which are prescribed by specialists depending on the cause of enuresis .
If involuntary urination is due to an infection of the genitourinary system, then the doctor recommends the patient a course of antibiotic therapy. For chronic cystitis, pyelonephritis, a course of preventive treatment with herbal tablets is recommended 2 times a year. Canephron has a positive effect in the prevention of relapses .
With neurosis-like conditions that provoke enuresis , nootropics have a good effect in therapy : Pantogam , Piracetam , Encephabol . Picamilon for enuresis is prescribed in age-related dosages and, like all drugs that improve metabolic processes in nerve cells, is recommended for course therapy for a period of 2-3 months, followed by repetition if necessary.
Treatment of bedwetting in adults and children includes an important component: drug therapy. There are tablets on the pharmaceutical market that can increase the capacity of the bladder, reduce or eliminate episodes of uncontrolled urination. It is important to remember that pharmacotherapy and the selection of the necessary medications should be carried out by the attending physician.