What Drugs Can Cause Urinary Retention?
October 6, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Urinary retention is a condition in which a person has difficulty emptying their bladder completely. While several medications can potentially cause urinary retention as a side effect, it’s essential to note that not everyone who takes these drugs will experience this problem. If you are taking any medication and are concerned about urinary retention, consult your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your specific situation and recommend appropriate management. Here are some classes of drugs that may be associated with urinary retention:
- Anticholinergic Medications: Anticholinergic drugs block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and can lead to urinary retention by relaxing the bladder muscles. These drugs are commonly used to treat conditions like overactive bladder, allergies, and certain gastrointestinal disorders. Examples include oxybutynin (Ditropan), tolterodine (Detrol), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
- Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, particularly tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can have anticholinergic effects that may lead to urinary retention. Examples include amitriptyline (Elavil) and imipramine (Tofranil).
- Antipsychotic Medications: Certain antipsychotic medications, especially older ones, can have anticholinergic properties that may affect bladder function. Examples include chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and thioridazine (Mellaril).
- Opioid Pain Medications: Opioid medications can slow down the urinary system, potentially leading to urinary retention. Common opioids that may cause this side effect include codeine, morphine, and oxycodone.
- Decongestants: Decongestants found in some cold and allergy medications can lead to urinary retention. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is an example.
- Muscle Relaxants: Some muscle relaxant medications can affect the bladder and lead to urinary retention. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is one such medication.
- Antihypertensive Medications: Certain blood pressure medications, particularly alpha-blockers like doxazosin (Cardura) and terazosin (Hytrin), can relax smooth muscle, including the bladder neck, potentially causing urinary retention.
- Anesthetics: Some anesthetic agents used during surgery can temporarily interfere with bladder function, leading to urinary retention in the immediate post-operative period.
- Antispasmodic Medications: Medications used to treat gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as dicyclomine (Bentyl), may have anticholinergic effects that can affect the bladder.
- Antihistamines: Some over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), may have anticholinergic properties that can impact bladder function.
It’s important to remember that not all individuals taking these medications will experience urinary retention, and the risk varies from person to person. If you suspect you are experiencing urinary retention as a side effect of a medication, do not stop taking the medication without consulting your healthcare provider. They can assess your condition, consider alternative medications or treatments, and provide guidance on how to manage the issue effectively.