Anticholinergic drugs
Anticholinergic drugs are used to treat overactive bladder and urinary incontinence. Examples of diuretics include oxybutynin (Ditropan XL, Oxytrol, Gelnique), darifenacin (Enablex), solifenacin (Vesicare), trospium (Sanctura), and tolterodine (Detrol). Oxytrol for women is an anticholinergic skin patch in addition to prescription medications.
Anticholinergic drugs work by blocking the activity of acetylcholine, an important chemical messenger involved in many functions of the human body. Anticholinergic drugs can relieve urinary symptoms by preventing bladder muscle spasms and contractions. However, anticholinergic agents affect the central nervous system, particularly the memory and learning centers of the brain. Long-term use of anticholinergics or concomitant use of other anticholinergics increases the risk of memory loss. Anticholinergic drugs are at risk of adverse effects in the elderly because of reduced kidney and liver function.
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