Drug calculations for urinary incontinence in women

Abstract

An estimated 3–6 million people are affected by urinary incontinence in the UK, and women are most commonly affected (NHS Choices, 2015). Causes of urinary incontinence vary but urge incontinence is usually caused by over-activity of the bladder's detrusor muscles, and stress incontinence is caused by muscle damage or weakness (NHS Choices, 2015). The management of urinary incontinence may require pharmacological treatment in conjunction with pelvic floor and bladder training exercises (Joint Formulary Committee, 2015). The choice of treatment should be determined following a thorough assessment, which takes into account relevant factors, such as the type of urinary incontinence, the patient's age, other existing conditions and their associated treatments (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, (NICE), 2013).