Bedwetting treatments: Medication

Medications have been used for years to correct bedwetting. Unfortunately, there have not been any new medications introduced for over ten years and the ones currently available provide mixed results.

There are three common medications used and each has a separate mechanism of action. They are relatively safe, but their results have been discouraging.

• Desmopressin (DDAVP)


• Imipramine (Tofranil)


• Oxybutynin (Ditropan)

Medications are easy to give and do not require the work required of the other bedwetting treatments. Some physicians will routinely prescribe medications to see if they will work. Some children may experience a placebo effect (like taking a sugar pill) and become dry for just a few days after starting the medication. Since, the majority of children do not become dry with medications alone; physicians are now turning to better alternative treatments.

It is safe to say, like in most health-related conditions, that medications should be avoided whenever possible. These medications should be prescribed by a physician who will see your child through the treatment process.

– Dr. D. Preston Smith

Dr. Smith is board certified and he has authored or co-authored many articles, papers, chapters, and books in Urology and Pediatric Urology. His research has been presented throughout the world. Dr. Smith’s dedication to helping children with urologic problems inspired him to establish PottyMD.