Medicines Used for Bed-Wetting in Children and Adults

Bed-wetting occurs when involuntary bladder evacuation occurs during sleep. Children primarily experience this condition, but it can also afflict adults. Treatment for bed-wetting is oftentimes behavioral based, but there are cases when medication is prescribed. Medication to prevent bed-wetting is taken orally in pill form and can be used by adults and children with equal effectiveness. Three medications are currently in use, each preventing involuntary urination by a different means.

Symptom of Illness

Before going on medication as an adult, a doctor should be consulted to rule out bed-wetting as part of a larger problem. Bed-wetting can be a symptom of diabetes or issues with the kidney and bladder.

Age of a Child

Children under the age of five years old should not go on medication for bed-wetting. This can inhibit the growth of muscles that would otherwise naturally develop to prevent involuntary urination.

Desmopressin

An anti-diuretic hormone, Desmopressin regulates water within the body, reducing the amount of urine the body produces during sleep. This medication does not stop bed-wetting altogether. Patients who go off the pill experience bladder control problems after six months.

Imipramine

Useful in older patients, Imipramine decreases urine production but also causes lighter sleeping patterns, a combination of which allows older children and adults a measure of bladder control. Use is in decline due to possibilities of overdose.

Oxybutynin

This medication expands bladder capacity while also preventing contractions from taking place. Oxybutynin can be used in combination with Desmopressin on children who have trouble both at night and during the day. It should not be used when there is no sign of daytime bladder control.