Which medication is commonly associated with overflow incontinence?

• A. Nasal decongestants
• B. Antihistamines
• C. Opioids
• D. Calcium channel blockers

Answer: (D)

Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder cannot empty fully, so urine leaks as it overfills. Some medicines can tip the balance toward retention by weakening the detrusor muscle or increasing outlet resistance. Calcium channel blockers, especially non-dihydropyridines, block L-type calcium channels in detrusor smooth muscle. This reduces the bladder’s ability to contract and empty effectively, leading to urinary retention and subsequent overflow leakage. While other options can influence urinary function in different ways, this class is the classic medication linked to overflow incontinence due to impaired detrusor contractility.