A number of drugs prescribed for the treatment of various diseases can induce urological symptoms as side effects. Antihypertensive drugs (particularly alpha blockers) can result in stress incontinence, whereas selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) can cause urge incontinence and estrogen promotes both forms. A wide range of drugs with anticholinergic activity, among them neuroleptics, tricyclic antidepressants and certain drugs used in airway disorders are associated with urinary retention. Only very few drugs bear a relevant risk for urolithiasis, i. e. the diuretic triamterene and protease inhibitors, such as indinavir; however, the widely used combination of calcium and vitamin D supplementation for prevention of osteoporosis may be an underdiagnosed cause of renal calculi. Drug-induced sexual dysfunction is a frequent side effect of antihypertensive treatment, particularly with beta adrenoceptor blockers and diuretics. The SSRI and some neuroleptics can also impair sexual function.
Keywords: Antihypertensive agents; Drug-induced urinary incontinence; Sexual dysfunction; Urinary retention; Urolithiasis.