Anticholinergic Drugs

Anticholinergic drugs have a smooth muscle relaxant effect on the detrusor, which may be useful for urge incontinence or urinary urgency. The commonly used anticholinergic drugs are oxybutynin, propantheline, and imipramine (a tricyclic antidepressant drug).

Side effects include the following:

• Dry skin;

• Blurred vision;

• Mental status changes;

• Nausea;

• Constipation;

• Dry mouth.

Contraindications to anticholinergic use include the following:

• Narrow-angle glaucoma;

• Decreased cognitive function;

• Urinary retention.