Medication for bedwetting child

Many parents are unsure what options they have when their child wets the bed. Should you immediately start your child on medication for bedwetting, or is a bedwetting alarm a better first step? Bedwetting is not only annoying for the child, but can also lead to insecurity and a negative self-image. Fortunately, there are several solutions that can help your child! Read more about the bedwetting alarm, behavioral adjustments, and medication for bedwetting.

When is bedwetting a problem?

Bedwetting is still very common in young children. From the age of 5, one could say that measures might be necessary to do something about it. If your child is still wetting the bed, it can be useful to look for possible solutions. The bedwetting alarm is often recommended first. If this does not have the desired effect at a slightly later age, for example at the age of 7 years old, a doctor may decide to prescribe medication for bedwetting for your child.

Medication for bedwetting or a bedwetting alarm?

The bedwetting alarm is often the first choice and the most recommended method for combating bedwetting. This method teaches the child to wake up when the bladder is full. If the bedwetting alarm shows no results after a few months (be sure to give it enough time; an average bedwetting alarm training takes 4 months), the doctor may consider medication for bedwetting. Medication can be particularly useful in situations such as sleepovers, holidays, or school camps, where bedwetting can be particularly stressful for a child. This temporarily stops the bedwetting.

Minrin, the most commonly prescribed medication for bedwetting

The most commonly prescribed medication for your child's bedwetting is Minrin. This medication is a synthetic form of the body's own hormone ADH. Normally, this hormone ensures that less urine is produced at night. In some children, this does not yet function optimally, which can lead to a full bladder and bedwetting.

Minrin reduces urine production during the night. This increases the likelihood that the bladder can hold urine throughout the night. This medication is available in tablet form and as an orodispersible tablet (Minrin Melt).

Minrin Melt

Minrin Melt is the latest version of Minrin, which was specifically developed for children. The tablet dissolves under the tongue and therefore does not need to be taken with water. This makes taking this bedwetting medication significantly easier for the child, especially for children with swallowing difficulties. The use of Minrin Melt is ideal for emergencies, but can also be prescribed over a longer period as part of treatment.

Medication for bedwetting with an overactive bladder

There are also children who do not have problems with urine production, but have an overactive bladder. In this case, a doctor may also prescribe Oxybutynin. This medication for your child's bedwetting ensures that the bladder relaxes better and contracts less quickly. This reduces the urge to urinate.

For children with an overactive bladder, bladder training is often started first, where holding urine during the day is practiced. Medications such as Oxybutynin can support this process by increasing bladder volume.

Please note: A side effect of Oxybutynin is reduced sweating, which can lead to overheating, especially at high temperatures. At temperatures above 30°C, it is recommended to temporarily stop taking this medication or take additional precautions.

Furosemide, another option

A less well-known and less used form of medication for bedwetting in children is Furosemide (also known as Lasix). This medication causes the body to excrete more fluid during the day, so that less urine is produced at night. This method is only used in specific cases and always under strict medical supervision.

Medication for bedwetting: Always go to the doctor first

Although there are various forms of medication for a child's bedwetting, it is extremely important not to start on your own initiative. Always discuss this with your doctor first. According to official guidelines, behavioral measures such as the bedwetting alarm are always investigated first before switching to medication.

Unlike medication that temporarily suppresses the bedwetting problem, a bedwetting alarm helps to continue changing the underlying behavior. It is precisely for this reason that specialists and general practitioners advise trying a period with a bedwetting alarm first whenever possible before taking medication.