Bed-Wetting - Medications

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Medicines that either increase the amount of urine that the bladder can hold (bladder capacity) or decrease the amount of urine released by the kidneys may be used to treat bed-wetting.

Medicines may be used to control bed-wetting for a little while. They don't completely stop it.

  • Medicines work well to control accidental wetting for short periods of time, such as when children are on overnight trips or at camp.
  • Sometimes medicines are used along with other treatments or for children who have not been able to control bed-wetting with other treatments. Medicines can help to encourage and motivate a child who is having trouble with other treatments by letting the child feel what it is like to have dry nights.

Medication Choices

Desmopressin for Bed-Wetting (DDAVP)
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) for Bed-Wetting (imipramine, desipramine)

In a few cases, when a small bladder capacity or overactive bladder is thought to be the cause of bed-wetting, oxybutynin (Ditropan) may be used to treat bed-wetting, especially when the child also has daytime accidental wettings.

What To Think About

Medicines usually are not used to treat bed-wetting in young children, unless the medicine is known to be safe.

Most children start wetting the bed again after medicine treatment is stopped.

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 26, 2010
Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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