Many older women take medications such as tolterodine (Detrol) or oxybutynin (Ditropan) for bladder control. While these drugs can help, they also have uncomfortable side effects such as dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation or confusion. A clinical trial shows that a Botox injection works just as well as the medications to control urinary incontinence. Women receiving the injections, however, were more prone to urinary tract infections or incomplete bladder emptying. The researchers recommend that doctors and patients weigh treatment options based on individual patient needs and preferences.
[New England Journal of Medicine, online Oct. 4, 2012]
The People's Perspective on Medicine