PTCE: The Basics of Medications - Urinary System Agents

Urinary system agents are used to treat a variety of conditions ranging from painful urination to the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Use the table below to identify common USAN stem names used in treating these conditions.

Tip: Women who are pregnant or are of childbearing age should not handle any testosterone reductase agents, including dutasteride and finasteride. Absorption of testosterone reductase agents through the skin may cause fetal abnormalities.

Table: USAN Stems for Urinary Agents

The urinary system performs functions related to the removal of waste products and fluid balance maintenance, including electrolyte and pH balances. Medications in this category can be prescribed to relieve urinary difficulty or to treat painful urination (see table below). Antimuscarinic agents (e.g., tolterodine) prevent bladder contractions and are used to treat overactive bladders and urinary incontinence. Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil) are used to treat male impotence. They increase blood flow to the penis following sexual stimulation.

Patients on PDE inhibitors may experience headaches and should be cautioned of a potential adverse effect called priapism (painful and persistent erection), which constitutes a medical emergency.

Men over the age of 50 may experience symptoms of an enlarged prostate, commonly known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Symptoms of BPH include painful or limited urination, incomplete bladder emptying, and urgency. Patients may be prescribed an alpha blocker (e.g., tamsulosin), which works by relaxing the muscles of the prostate and bladder.

Table: Urinary Agents