Alternatives to Detrol

Detrol is a medication that helps control an overactive bladder. As we age, the muscles that control the bladder can weaken. This can cause the frequent urge to urinate or urinary incontinence. If you cannot or don't want to take this medication, alternatives are available.

Bladder Retraining

In bladder retraining, you log in a diary each time you urinate or are incontinent. After several days, a physician examines the diary to make a plan of times when you should go to the bathroom. The theory behind this is that if you go at planned times you are less likely to have an accident.

Along with this, you will be taught Kegel exercise, which strengthens the pelvic floor and helps control the release of urine. The same muscles that stop the flow of urine and the passage of gas from the bowel are put to use here. Once the muscle is located, you can practice this exercise at any time by tightening and relaxing it for a specified amount of time.

Other Medications

Detrol is the brand name of tolterodine. Detrusitol is another brand name of this medication. Both prescription medicines are taken once a day and act to control the central nervous system and to relax the bladder, thus preventing wetting accidents. These medicines usually take at least two weeks to begin relieving symptoms.

Oxybutynin chloride, another prescription medication, controls the bladder by the same means as tolterodine. It is available in an oral tablet with the brand name Ditropan, as a transdermal patch with the brand name Oxytrol and in gel form as Gelnique. Another medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat overactive bladder is fesoterodine fumarate. Toviaz is the brand name of this medicine that relaxes the smooth muscle of the bladder.

Surgical Options

If medication and bladder retraining fail, your doctor may suggest sacral nerve stimulation or bladder augmentation. These are performed only as a last resort. The nerve stimulation uses an electrical device to send signals to the sacral nerve in the lower spine, which controls the urge to urinate. Bladder augmentation is a surgery that uses a small portion of the intestines to increase the capacity of the bladder. The patient must be able to insert a urinary catheter in order to be a candidate for this surgery.