ClassMechanism of effect
Antihypertensives
Alpha-adrenergic antagonistsDecrease sphincter tone, causing stress incontinence
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitorsMay increase coughing, causing stress incontinence
Calcium channel blockersRelax the bladder, causing retention and overflow incontinence
DiureticsHigh urine flow that leads to bladder contractions, causing urge incontinence
Pain relievers
Cyclooxygenase-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugsIncrease fluid retention, causing nocturnal diuresis and functional incontinence
OpioidsRelax the bladder, causing fecal impaction, sedation, retention, and overflow incontinence
Skeletal muscle relaxantsInhibit bladder contractions, causing sedation, retention, and overflow incontinence
Psychotherapeutics
Antidepressants, antiparkinsonian agents, antipsychoticsInhibit bladder contractions, causing retention and overflow incontinence
Sedatives and hypnoticsLead to sedation and impaired cognition, causing functional or overflow incontinence
Others
AlcoholLeads to diuretic effect and depressed central inhibition, causing urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, or both
Antihistamines, anticholinergicsInhibit bladder contractions, causing sedation, retention, and overflow incontinence
Medications for urinary urgencyInhibit bladder contractions, causing sedation, retention, and overflow incontinence
ThiazolidinedionesIncrease fluid retention, causing nocturnal diuresis and functional incontinence