Urinary Disorders Associated with Over-the-Counter Drugs: Assessment Based on the Anticholinergic Risk Scale in Cases Registered with JADER

Abstract

Information on urinary disorders associated with the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is limited, and evaluations using the Anticholinergic Risk Scale have not progressed significantly. Therefore, we investigated the patients with urinary disorders associated with the use of OTC drugs included in the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) database using an anticholinergic risk scale. The survey items included patient background, year reported, generic and brand drug names, and components of the OTC drug. The total anticholinergic burden was calculated using the Japanese Anticholinergic Risk Scale. Sixty-six patients with urinary disorders associated with the use of OTC drugs were identified in the JADER database, which covered the period from April 2004 to March 2024. Most cases have been reported in men and the elderly, and approximately 35% of the patients had already experienced urinary problems at the time of OTC drug use. The most frequently reported suspected drugs were a combination cold remedies, followed by Kampo medicines, and medicines for otolaryngological problems. The most common formulations contained chlorpheniramine (including d-chlorpheniramine) and codeine (including dihydrocodeine). The products with the highest total anticholinergic burden had a score of 6, including four medicines for otolaryngological problems. When using OTC drugs in elderly men, especially in those with urinary problems, it may be necessary to provide more information and monitor them for drug-induced urinary disorders.