Pharmacotherapy of overactive bladder syndrome

Abstract

Urinary incontinence is a common and distressing condition that is known to adversely affect quality of life. Overactive bladder (OAB) is the term used to describe the symptom complex of urgency with or without urge incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia. Drug therapy, in addition to behavioral modification, remains integral in the management of women with OAB, and the development of new drugs, treatment regimens and methods of delivery should improve patient compliance and acceptability. Developments over the last 10 years have led to the launch of several new drugs for the treatment of OAB that may offer greater efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. This article critically reviews the current pharmacological treatment of OAB in addition to providing a rationale for treatment.

Keywords::

• antimuscarinics
• detrusor overactivity
• overactive bladder
• urinary incontinence

Financial & competing interests disclosure

D Robinson has recieved funding for research, lecturing and consultancies from Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Astellas, Pfizer, Novo-Nordisk, Gynaecare, Q Med and Uroplasty. L Cardozo has received funding for research, lecturing and consultancies from Astellas, Avera, Bioxell, Cook, Gynaecare, Organon, Pfizer, Plethora and UCB Pharma. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.