Uropharmacology: XI. Adrenergic-blocking agents and drugs affecting catecholamine binding and release

Acute urinary retention in women: a prospective study of 18 consecutive cases

Over a 9 month period 18 women were admitted for acute urinary retention to six different Copenhagen hospitals, serving a population of approximately 700,000 people. Urodynamically 9 patients had underactive detrusor function, 2 had infravesical obstruction and 3 had both underactive detrusor function and infravesical obstruction. In 4 patients bladder and urethral function were not classified. In 10 patients a provocative event preceded the retention episode. Eleven patients developed recurrent retention within 3 months and 7 patients had persistent severe obstructive voiding problems. Best prognosis was found for patients with correctable infravesical obstruction and for patients with minimal symptoms prior to the retention episode.

Urinary incontinence secondary to drugs

With the current rapid introduction of new drugs on the market, drug toxicity and side effects have received increasing publicity in the literature. Bladder dysfunction, however, rarely has been reported as an adverse effect. The possible mechanisms in the induction of urinary incontinence by three main groups of drugs, the neuroleptics, the antihypertensive agents, and the drugs used in the treatment of neurogenic bladder obstruction, are reviewed. These drugs are thought to act peripherally at sympathetic neurons or through a centrally-mediated effect.