10 Side Effects of Antihistamines
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
Side Effect #9: Urinary Retention
Urinary retention refers to the inability to completely empty the bladder. It can be both acute or chronic. Acute urinary retention lasts a short time and patients have difficulty urinating despite having a full bladder. Usually requires emergency treatment as it can cause great pain and may also lead to more serious complications.
Chronic urinary retention can be long lasting. Individuals with chronic urinary retention can urinate but do not void completely. One of the side effects of antihistamines is urinary retention as it interferes with nerve signals to both the prostate and bladder. Antihistamines that have been implicated are cetirizine, diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, and fexofenadine.
Advertisement
