A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group comparison of controlled- and immediate-release oxybutynin chloride in urge urinary incontinence

Pharmacological characterization of DA-8010, a novel muscarinic receptor antagonist selective for urinary bladder over salivary gland

Several antimuscarinics have been commonly used for overactive bladder patients, but dry mouth as a major anticholinergic side effect remains a shortcoming to limit long-term use. The aim of this study was to elucidate the pharmacological properties of DA-8010, a novel muscarinic receptor antagonist selective for urinary bladder over salivary gland. DA-8010 exhibited a high binding affinity for human muscarinic M₃ receptor with pK_i of 8.81 ± 0.05 and great potencies for human M₃ receptor and rat bladder preparation. The potency of DA-8010 for bladder smooth muscle cells was 3.6-fold higher than that for salivary gland cells isolated from mice. Intravenous administration of DA-8010 dose-dependently inhibited rhythmic urinary bladder contractions induced by distension in rats, indicating the most potent activity (ID₃₀ = 0.08 mg/kg) among the antimuscarinics tested. Taken together with the inhibitory effects of DA-8010 and other antimuscarinics on carbachol-induced salivary secretion in rats, the in vivo functional selectivity of DA-8010 for urinary bladder over salivary gland was 3.1-fold, 3.2-fold and 5.2-fold greater than those observed for solifenacin, oxybutynin and darifenacin, respectively. Furthermore, oral administration of DA-8010 in mice resulted in more selective and persistent binding for muscarinic receptors in the bladder rather than in the submaxillary gland, in comparison with other antimuscarinics. These findings suggest that DA-8010 is a potent muscarinic M₃ receptor antagonist to be highly selective for bladder over salivary gland, which might be a promising agent with greater efficacy and less dry mouth in the treatment of overactive bladder.

A Guide to Medications Inducing Salivary Gland Dysfunction, Xerostomia, and Subjective Sialorrhea: A Systematic Review Sponsored by the World Workshop on Oral Medicine VI

BACKGROUND

Medication-induced salivary gland dysfunction (MISGD), xerostomia (sensation of oral dryness), and subjective sialorrhea cause significant morbidity and impair quality of life. However, no evidence-based lists of the medications that cause these disorders exist.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to compile a list of medications affecting salivary gland function and inducing xerostomia or subjective sialorrhea.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases were searched for relevant articles published until June 2013. Of 3867 screened records, 269 had an acceptable degree of relevance, quality of methodology, and strength of evidence. We found 56 chemical substances with a higher level of evidence and 50 with a moderate level of evidence of causing the above-mentioned disorders. At the first level of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system, 9 of 14 anatomical groups were represented, mainly the alimentary, cardiovascular, genitourinary, nervous, and respiratory systems. Management strategies include substitution or discontinuation of medications whenever possible, oral or systemic therapy with sialogogues, administration of saliva substitutes, and use of electro-stimulating devices.

LIMITATIONS

While xerostomia was a commonly reported outcome, objectively measured salivary flow rate was rarely reported. Moreover, xerostomia was mostly assessed as an adverse effect rather than the primary outcome of medication use. This study may not include some medications that could cause xerostomia when administered in conjunction with others or for which xerostomia as an adverse reaction has not been reported in the literature or was not detected in our search.

CONCLUSIONS

We compiled a comprehensive list of medications with documented effects on salivary gland function or symptoms that may assist practitioners in assessing patients who complain of dry mouth while taking medications. The list may also prove useful in helping practitioners anticipate adverse effects and consider alternative medications.

Overactive bladder - 18 years - Part II

Traditionally, the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome has been based on the use of oral medications with the purpose of reestablishing the detrusor stability. The recent better understanding of the urothelial physiology fostered conceptual changes, and the oral anticholinergics - pillars of the overactive bladder pharmacotherapy - started to be not only recognized for their properties of inhibiting the detrusor contractile activity, but also their action on the bladder afference, and therefore, on the reduction of the symptoms that constitute the syndrome. Beta-adrenergic agonists, which were recently added to the list of drugs for the treatment of overactive bladder, still wait for a definitive positioning - as either a second-line therapy or an adjuvant to oral anticholinergics. Conservative treatment failure, whether due to unsatisfactory results or the presence of adverse side effects, define it as refractory overactive bladder. In this context, the intravesical injection of botulinum toxin type A emerged as an effective option for the existing gap between the primary measures and more complex procedures such as bladder augmentation. Sacral neuromodulation, described three decades ago, had its indication reinforced in this overactive bladder era. Likewise, the electric stimulation of the tibial nerve is now a minimally invasive alternative to treat those with refractory overactive bladder. The results of the systematic literature review on the oral pharmacological treatment and the treatment of refractory overactive bladder gave rise to this second part of the review article Overactive Bladder - 18 years, prepared during the 1st Latin-American Consultation on Overactive Bladder.

Safety and tolerability of the β3 -adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron, for the treatment of overactive bladder: results of a prospective pooled analysis of three 12-week randomised Phase III trials and of a 1-year randomised Phase III trial

AIMS

To evaluate the safety and tolerability of the β3 -adrenoceptor agonist, mirabegron, in patients with overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODS

Tolerability and safety data from three 12-week, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, Phase III trials (Studies 046, 047 and 074) were pooled by treatment group. The three studies were of a similar design, although the assessed doses of mirabegron [25, 50 or 100 mg once daily (qd)] varied, and tolterodine extended release (ER) 4 mg was included as an active-control arm in Study 046 only. Tolerability and safety data from a 1-year, randomised, double-blind, Phase III trial (Study 049) are also presented. Safety variables included the incidence and severity of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), vital signs and electrocardiogram data.

RESULTS

Mirabegron (25, 50 or 100 mg qd) was safe and well-tolerated in patients with OAB over 12-week (n = 2736) and 1-year (n = 1632) periods. The incidence of TEAEs and treatment discontinuations as a result of TEAEs was low; the majority were mild in severity and few were serious. Hypertension, nasopharyngitis and urinary tract infection were the most common TEAEs with mirabegron. The mirabegron tolerability profile was similar to that seen with placebo and tolterodine ER 4 mg, except for dry mouth, which occurred, on average, five times less frequently with mirabegron than tolterodine ER 4 mg. In the pooled 12-week analysis, mirabegron 50 mg was associated with placebo-adjusted mean increases of 0.4-0.6 mmHg in blood pressure and approximately one beat per minute in pulse rate, both reversible upon treatment discontinuation. The incidence of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events as adjudicated by an independent cardiovascular committee was low and similar across treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

The favourable tolerability profile of mirabegron in patients with OAB may allow improved treatment compliance compared with antimuscarinics, with important implications for patient outcomes.

Pharmacotherapy of overactive bladder in adults: a review of efficacy, tolerability, and quality of life

Introduction

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a prevalent condition that has a significant impact on quality of life. The usual treatment approach is both behavioral and pharmacological. The first-line pharmacological treatment commonly utilizes anticholinergic agents, which may be limited by their tolerability, efficacy, and long-term compliance. Developments in elucidating the pathophysiology of OAB and alternative targets for pharmacological therapy have led to newer agents being developed to manage this condition. These agents include mirabegron and botulinum toxin, which have alternate mechanism of action and avoid the anticholinergic side effects.

Objectives

To provide an update for clinicians managing OAB with an overview of the existing and newer medical options for OAB, including pharmacology, efficacy, side-effect profile, tolerability, and impact on patient quality of life.

Methods

PubMed and Medline were searched for randomized controlled drug trials in adults with OAB, meta-analyses of medical therapy for OAB, and individual drug names, including the keywords efficacy, tolerability, quality of life, and compliance. Nonhuman studies, pediatric trials, and those involving patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction (with the exception of studies involving botulinum toxin A) were excluded.

Results

There is level 1, Grade A evidence to support the efficacy of anticholinergic drugs, botulinum toxin, and mirabegron for OAB. Long-term compliance with anticholinergic medications is limited. The mechanism of action, effectiveness, and side effects of these drugs are discussed, and where the data are available compared with other OAB medications.

Conclusion

Most of the anticholinergic agents have comparative efficacies and core side-effect profiles, with individual variations relating to their muscarinic receptor selectivity, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism. Newer agents, with alternative sites of action, such as mirabegron and botulinum toxin, provide additional treatment options for patients intolerant to or inadequately treated with anticholinergics.

Efficacy and adverse events of antimuscarinics for treating overactive bladder: network meta-analyses

CONTEXT

Millions of people worldwide experience overactive bladder (OAB), and antimuscarinics are the pharmacologic treatment of choice. Several conventional meta-analyses have been published, but they fail to quantify efficacy and adverse events across drugs, dosages, formulations, and pharmaceutical forms.

OBJECTIVE

To perform two network meta-analyses summarizing the efficacy and adverse events of antimuscarinics in the treatment of OAB.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Medline and Scopus searches, previous systematic reviews, conference abstracts, book chapters, and the reference lists of relevant articles were searched. Trialists were contacted. Eligible studies were randomized trials that compared at least one antimuscarinic for treating OAB with placebo or with another antimuscarinic, and that reported efficacy and/or adverse event outcomes. Efficacy was assessed for six outcomes (perception of cure or improvement, urgency episodes per 24h, leakage episodes per 24h, urgency incontinence episodes per 24h, micturitions per 24h, and nocturia episodes per 24h). Adverse events were assessed in seven categories according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Across all outcomes, a summary efficacy and an adverse event score were computed. Two authors independently extracted data.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

For the comparison of the efficacy, 76 trials enrolling 38 662 patients were included; for adverse events, 90 trials enrolling 39 919 patients were included. In the subset of studies reporting on treatments and dosages as used in clinical practice, 40 mg/d trospium chloride, 100mg/g per day oxybutynin topical gel, and 4 mg/d fesoterodine had the best efficacy, while higher dosages of orally administered oxybutynin and propiverine had the least favorable relationship of efficacy and adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study allowing trade-offs between efficacy and adverse events of various drugs and dosages in the treatment of patients with OAB. Differences among the various antimuscarinics call for careful, patient-centered management in which regimen changes should be considered.

Pharmacokinetics and toxicity of antimuscarinic drugs for overactive bladder treatment in females

INTRODUCTION

Antimuscarinics (AMs) are the mainstay of pharmacological treatment of overactive bladder (OAB), a symptom complex defined by the presence of urinary urgency, usually associated with frequency and nocturia, with or without urgency urinary incontinence. The AMs used to treat OAB differ in their pharmacological profiles, which may affect their potential for causing adverse effects (AEs).

AREAS COVERED

The present article aims to review the literature about pharmacokinetics (PK) of the different AMs used in the treatment of OAB. Furthermore, the AEs related to the use of these drugs and their incidence are presented. This systematic review is based on material searched and obtained via Medline, Pubmed and EMBASE up to March 2012 using the search terms "adverse events, pharmacokinetics, tolerability" in combination with "darifenacin, fesoterodine, imidafenacin, oxybutynin, propiverine, solifenacin, tolterodine, and trospium."

EXPERT OPINION

Antimuscarinics are the first-line pharmacological treatment for OAB. Despite the development of new molecules that improve their efficacy/safety profile, there are some drugs that are pharmacokinetically more appropriate to be prescribed in specific populations such as patients with neurological disease or the elderly. Moreover, research should be encouraged in evaluating antimuscarinics in conjunction with other drugs such as estrogens or beta-agonists. The identification of prognostic criteria for pharmacological therapy would be helpful.

An evaluation of patient and physician satisfaction with controlled-release oxybutynin 15 mg as a one-step daily dose in elderly and non-elderly patients with overactive bladder: results of the STOP study

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate patient and physician satisfaction with a novel formulation of a once-daily controlled-release (CR) oxybutynin (Uromax*) 15-mg tablet as both the initial and maintenance dose in elderly and non-elderly patients with overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODS

Patients not on anticholinergic treatment for OAB and experiencing urinary incontinence (≥1 episode/week) and micturition frequency (≥8 episodes/day) or urgency (≥1 episode/week) were enrolled in this 4-week, open-label study. Satisfaction, efficacy, mental status and adverse events were evaluated by urologists, gynecologists, urogynecologists and family practitioners. The analyses compared the outcomes in patients <65 and ≥65 years.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN 19242032.

RESULTS

A total of 240 patients enrolled; 111 (46%) were ≥65 years of age. Completion rate was 76.0% (<65) and 62.2% (≥65) (p = 0.0204). Medication was rated as tolerable by 75.2% of patients <65 and 58.6% of patients ≥65 (p = 0.0099). Based on overall satisfaction scores 64.2% (patient scores) and 57.1% (physician scores) of patients were considered 'successfully treated' (p = 0.0001 & p = 0.0451). There was a significant reduction in incontinence (64.3%; p = 0.0001), nocturia (38.6%; p = 0.0001) and night-time incontinence (39.7%; p = 0.0436) with no difference between age groups. Total continence was achieved by 29.8% and 47.5% of patients <65 and ≥65, respectively (p = 0.0077). No patients clinically experienced confusion or delirium and only six patients ≥65 had a decrease in MMSE score of ≥3 units, which was not statistically different from patients <65 (p = 0.3112). Dry mouth was the most common adverse event reported by 24.8% of patients <65 and 36.0% of patients ≥65 (p = 0.0584). Limitations of the study include a fixed dosing, no control group and 4-week trial.

CONCLUSION

Patients and physicians were satisfied with CR oxybutynin 15 mg once-daily. Patients tolerated the CR oxybutynin 15 mg as both the initial and maintenance dose and provided significant reductions in incontinence, nocturia and night-time incontinence without a significant change in cognitive status. Total continence rates were significantly superior in patients ≥65 and there was no difference in dry mouth, cognitive status or efficacy in patients <65 and ≥65.

An overview on mixed action drugs for the treatment of overactive bladder and detrusor overactivity

OBJECTIVES

To provide an overview on the efficacy, tolerability, safety and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of drugs with a mixed action used in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB).

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

MEDLINE database and abstract books of the major conferences were searched for relevant publications from 1966 to 2011 and using the key words 'overactive bladder', 'detrusor overactivity', 'oxybutynin', 'propiverine', and 'flavoxate'. Two independent reviewers considered publications for inclusion and extracted relevant data, without performing a meta-analysis.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Old and conflicting data do not support the use of flavoxate, while both propiverine and oxybutynin were found to be more effective than placebo in the treatment of OAB. Propiverine was at least as effective as oxybutynin but with a better tolerability profile even in the pediatric setting. Overall, no serious adverse event for any product was statistically significant compared to placebo. Improvements were seen in HRQoL with treatment by the oxybutynin transdermal delivery system and propiverine extended release.

CONCLUSIONS

While there is no evidence to suggest the use of flavoxate in the treatment of OAB, both oxybutynin and propiverine appear efficacious and safe. Propiverine shows a better tolerability profile than oxybutynin. Both drugs improve HRQoL of patients affected by OAB. Profiles of each drug and dosage differ and should be considered in making treatment choices.

Which anticholinergic drug for overactive bladder symptoms in adults

BACKGROUND

Around 16% to 45% of adults have overactive bladder symptoms (urgency with frequency and/or urge incontinence - 'overactive bladder syndrome'). Anticholinergic drugs are common treatments.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of different anticholinergic drugs for overactive bladder symptoms.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register (searched 8 March 2011) and reference lists of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials in adults with overactive bladder symptoms or detrusor overactivity that compared one anticholinergic drug with another, or two doses of the same drug.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed eligibility, trial quality and extracted data. Data were processed as described in the Cochrane Reviewers' Handbook.

MAIN RESULTS

Eighty six trials, 70 parallel and 16 cross-over designs were included (31,249 adults). Most trials were described as double-blind, but were variable in other aspects of quality. Crossover studies did not present data in a way that could be included in the meta-analyses. Twenty nine collected quality of life data (the primary outcome measure) using validated measures, but only fifteen reported useable data.Tolterodine versus oxybutynin: There were no statistically significant differences for quality of life, patient reported cure or improvement, leakage episodes or voids in 24 hours, but fewer withdrawals due to adverse events with tolterodine (Risk Ratio (RR) 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 0.66, data from eight trials), and less risk of dry mouth (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.71, data from ten trials).Solifenacin versus tolterodine: There were statistically significant differences for quality of life (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.12, 95% CI -0.23 to -0.01, data from three trials), patient reported cure/improvement (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.39, data from two trials), leakage episodes in 24 hours (weighted mean difference (WMD) -0.30, 95% CI -0.53 to -0.08, data from four studies) and urgency episodes in 24 hours (WMD -0.43, 95% CI -0.74 to -0.13, data from four trials), all favouring solifenacin. There was no difference in withdrawals due to adverse events and dry mouth, but after sensitivity analysis the dry mouth (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.94) was statistically significantly lower with solifenacin when compared to Immediate Release (IR) tolterodine.Fesoterodine versus extended release tolterodine: Three trials contributed to the meta analyses. There were statistically significant differences for quality of life (SMD -0.20, 95% CI -0.27 to -0.14), patient reported cure/improvement (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.16), leakage episodes (WMD -0.19, 95% CI -0.30 to -0.09), frequency (WMD -0.27, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.06) and urgency episodes (WMD -0.44, 95% CI -0.72 to -0.16) in 24 hours, all favouring fesoterodine, but those taking fesoterodine had higher risk of withdrawal due to adverse events (RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.98) and higher risk of dry mouth (RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.58 to 2.05) at 12 weeks.Different doses of tolterodine: The standard recommended starting dose (2 mg twice daily) was compared with two lower (0.5 mg and 1 mg twice daily), and one higher dose (4 mg twice daily). The effects of 1 mg, 2 mg and 4 mg doses were similar for leakage episodes and micturitions in 24 hours, with greater risk of dry mouth with 2 and 4 mg doses at two to 12 weeks.Different doses of solifenacin: The standard recommended starting dose of 5 mg once daily was compared to 10 mg: while frequency and urgency were less (better) with 10 mg compared to 5 mg, there was a higher risk of dry mouth with 10 mg solifenacin at four to 12 weeks.Different doses of fesoterodine:The recommended starting dose of 4mg once daily was compared to 8 and 12 mg. The clinical efficacy (patient reported cure, leakage episodes, micturition per 24 hours) of 8 mg was better than 4 mg fesoterodine but with a higher risk of dry mouth with 8 mg.There was no statistically significant difference between 4 and 12 mg in the efficacy but the dry mouth was significantly higher with 12 mg at eight to 12 weeks.Extended versus immediate release preparations of oxybutynin and/or tolterodine: There were no statistically significant differences for cure/improvement, leakage episodes or micturitions in 24 hours, or withdrawals due to adverse events, but there were few data. Overall, extended release preparations had less risk of dry mouth at two to 12 weeks.One extended release preparation versus another: There was less risk of dry mouth with oral extended release tolterodine than oxybutynin (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.95), but no difference between transdermal oxybutynin and oral extended release tolterodine although some people withdrew due to skin reaction at the transdermal patch site at 12 weeks.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Where the prescribing choice is between oral immediate release oxybutynin or tolterodine, tolterodine might be preferred for reduced risk of dry mouth. With tolterodine, 2 mg twice daily is the usual starting dose, but a 1 mg twice daily dose might be equally effective, with less risk of dry mouth. If extended release preparations of oxybutynin or tolterodine are available, these might be preferred to immediate release preparations because there is less risk of dry mouth.Between solifenacin and immediate release tolterodine, solifenacin might be preferred for better efficacy and less risk of dry mouth. Solifenacin 5 mg once daily is the usual starting dose, this could be increased to 10 mg once daily for better efficacy but with increased risk of dry mouth.Between fesoterodine and extended release tolterodine, fesoterodine might be preferred for superior efficacy but has higher risk of withdrawal due to adverse events and higher risk of dry mouth.There is little or no evidence available about quality of life, costs, or long-term outcome in these studies. There were insufficient data from trials of other anticholinergic drugs to draw any conclusions.

Persistence and adherence in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome with anticholinergic therapy: a systematic review of the literature

Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a chronic condition that has an impact on patients' daily activities and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Anticholinergic therapy is often prescribed following insufficient results with behaviour modification alone; however, rates of treatment discontinuation are consistently high. This study systematically reviewed persistence and adherence data in patients with OAB treated with anticholinergic therapy. A search focused on the intersection of OAB, persistence/adherence, and anticholinergic therapy was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE. Articles published after 1998 were reviewed and selected for inclusion based on prespecified criteria. A total of 147 articles and two abstracts were included in the review. Results from 12-week clinical trials showed high rates of discontinuation, ranging from 4% to 31% and 5% to 20% in treatment and placebo groups, respectively. Unsurprisingly, rates of discontinuation found in medical claims studies were substantially higher, with 43% to 83% of patients discontinuing medication within the first 30 days and rates continuing to rise over time. Findings from medical claims studies also suggest that over half of patients never refill their initial prescription and that adherence levels tend to be low, with mean/median medication possession ratio (MPR) values ranging from 0.30 to 0.83. The low levels of persistence and adherence documented in this review reveal cause for concern about the balance between the efficacy and tolerability of anticholinergic agents. Strategies should be identified to increase persistence and adherence. New agents and non-pharmacologic alternatives with good efficacy and minimal side effects should be explored.

Adverse event assessment of antimuscarinics for treating overactive bladder: a network meta-analytic approach

Background

Overactive bladder (OAB) affects the lives of millions of people worldwide and antimuscarinics are the pharmacological treatment of choice. Meta-analyses of all currently used antimuscarinics for treating OAB found similar efficacy, making the choice dependent on their adverse event profiles. However, conventional meta-analyses often fail to quantify and compare adverse events across different drugs, dosages, formulations, and routes of administration. In addition, the assessment of the broad variety of adverse events is dissatisfying. Our aim was to compare adverse events of antimuscarinics using a network meta-analytic approach that overcomes shortcomings of conventional analyses.

Methods

Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialized Trials Register, previous systematic reviews, conference abstracts, book chapters, and reference lists of relevant articles were searched. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials comparing at least one antimuscarinic for treating OAB with placebo or with another antimuscarinic, and adverse events as outcome measures. Two authors independently extracted data. A network meta-analytic approach was applied allowing for joint assessment of all adverse events of all currently used antimuscarinics while fully maintaining randomization.

Results

69 trials enrolling 26′229 patients were included. Similar overall adverse event profiles were found for darifenacin, fesoterodine, transdermal oxybutynin, propiverine, solifenacin, tolterodine, and trospium chloride but not for oxybutynin orally administered when currently used starting dosages were compared.

Conclusions

The proposed generally applicable transparent network meta-analytic approach summarizes adverse events in an easy to grasp way allowing straightforward benchmarking of antimuscarinics for treating OAB in clinical practice. Most currently used antimuscarinics seem to be equivalent first choice drugs to start the treatment of OAB except for oral oxybutynin dosages of ≥10 mg/d which may have more unfavorable adverse event profiles.

Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse: diagnosis and treatment for the primary care physician

This article outlines a simplified approach to diagnosis and treatment of women with urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse that can be used by primary care physicians to identify patients with these conditions and initiate treatment for basic problems.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with antimuscarinic drugs for overactive bladder

CONTEXT

Anticholinergic drugs are commonly used in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) who do not achieve symptom relief and quality of life improvement with conservative management. Several drugs, with different doses, formulations, and routes of administration are currently available, making the choice quite difficult.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate efficacy and safety of different doses, formulations, and route of administration of the available anticholinergic drugs.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of the literature was performed in August 2007 using Medline, Embase, and Web of Science. Efficacy (micturitions per 24h, volume voided per micturition, urgency urinary incontinence episodes per 24h, incontinence episodes per 24h) and safety (mainly, adverse events and withdrawal rates) end points were evaluated in the randomized control trials (RCTs) assessing the role of anticholinergic drugs in non-neurogenic OAB. Meta-analysis of RCTs was conducted using the Review Manager software 4.2 (Cochrane Collaboration).

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Our systematic search identified 50 RCTs and three pooled analyses. Tolterodine immediate release (IR) had a more favorable profile of adverse events than oxybutynin IR. Regarding different dosages of IR formulations, dose escalation might yield some limited improvements in the efficacy but at the cost of significant increase in the rate of adverse events. In the comparisons between IR and extended-release (ER) formulations, the latter showed some advantages, both in terms of efficacy and safety. With regard to the route of administration, use if a transdermal route of administration does not provide significant advantage over an oral one.

CONCLUSION

Many of the available RCTs have good methodological quality. ER formulations should be preferred to the IR ones. With regard to IR formulations, dose escalation might yield some improvements in the efficacy with significant increase in the AE. More clinical studies are needed to indicate which of the drugs should be used as first-, second-, or third-line treatment.

Number of Daytime Micturitions and Volume Voided per Micturition in the Evaluation of Efficacy of Drugs for Overactive Bladder: Findings from Randomized Clinical Trials

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the relationship between mean volume voided per micturition and number of daytime micturitions.

METHODS

We reviewed data from randomized clinical trials on the medical treatment of overactive bladder published in the international literature between 1997 and 2004. Fourteen studies including data on these two parameters were identified.

RESULTS

Six studies compared tolterodine with placebo, two tolterodine and oxybutynin with placebo, two tolterodine with oxybutynin, two solifenacin and tolterodine with placebo, one oxybutynin CR with oxybutynin IR, and one different doses of solifenacin. The correlation between the percent change in the mean voided volume and in the number of daytime micturitions was assessed using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (r), with r=-0.67 for all the studies. For groups of patients treated with each drug, we found r=-0.09 for oxybutynin, r=-0.59 for tolterodine, r=-0.85 for solifenacin, and r=-0.34 for placebo.

CONCLUSION

The results of this analysis suggest that in the evaluation of the efficacy of a drug for overactive bladder, the mean volume voided per micturition may be a useful measure of efficacy.

Retrospective evaluation of outcomes in patients with overactive bladder receiving tolterodine versus oxybutynin

PURPOSE

The frequency, relative risk, resource utilization, and costs related to comorbidities associated with overactive bladder (OAB) were studied.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with OAB who initiated treatment with tolterodine extended release (ER), oxybutynin ER, or oxybutynin immediate release (IR) between January 2001 and December 2002 was conducted to evaluate the frequency, relative risk, resource utilization, and costs related to three specific comorbidities associated with OAB: urinary tract infections (UTIs), depression, and fracture. Two patient cohorts (tolterodine ER versus oxybutynin ER and tolterodine ER versus oxybutynin IR) were matched on a 1:1 basis according to their propensity to receive a prescription for tolterodine ER.

RESULTS

The frequency and relative risk of UTIs were significantly lower in the tolterodine ER group than in the oxybutynin ER and oxybutynin IR groups. The relative risk of depression was also lower in the tolterodine ER group than the oxybutynin ER and oxybutynin IR groups; however, the differences were only significant in the tolterodine ER versus oxybutynin IR comparison. The utilization of UTI- and depression-related services and the number of antiinfective and antidepressant prescriptions were significantly lower in the tolterodine ER group than in the oxybutynin ER group. UTI- and depression-related costs were generally lower in the tolterodine ER group than in the oxybutynin ER or oxybutynin IR group.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of OAB patients with tolterodine ER was associated with reduced frequency, relative risk, medical and pharmacy resource utilization, and incurred costs related to selected OAB-associated comorbidities compared with treatment with oxybutynin ER or oxybutynin IR.

Assessment of treatment outcomes in patients with overactive bladder: importance of objective and subjective measures

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a highly prevalent symptom syndrome that negatively affects health-related quality of life (HRQL). In clinical practice, the diagnosis and treatment of OAB are largely driven by a patient's reporting of symptoms, often in combination with objective assessment. Thus, OAB provides the opportunity to examine the relations between objective (eg, urodynamic studies, bladder diary variables) and subjective (eg, symptom bother, HRQL) outcomes. We compared objective and subjective results from 27 trials recently evaluated in a systematic review and meta-analysis of antimuscarinic agents used to treat OAB. Many studies demonstrated concurrent improvements in both types of outcomes. However, several reports showed that although pharmacotherapy may reduce micturition frequency or increase bladder capacity, treated patients may not perceive a significant benefit to HRQL. We conclude that objective assessments can help determine the underlying causes of OAB symptoms and assess the effects of treatment, but that these results are not always predictive of subjective outcomes, which are influenced by a patient's priorities and lifestyle, and thus highly individualized. A patient's perception of treatment success should be regarded as an important measure of efficacy because a patient considers the trade-offs between symptom improvement, adverse events, and effects on daily life when assessing overall treatment benefit. We recommend that subjective measures become standard considerations in the initial evaluation and treatment of patients with OAB.

Efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended-release in continent patients with overactive bladder and nocturia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended-release (ER) in continent patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A post hoc analysis was conducted of data from a 12-week, double-blind study of 850 patients randomized to tolterodine ER (4 mg once daily) or placebo, taken within 4 h of going to bed. Patients with a mean of > or = 8 voids/24 h were enrolled, including a mean of > or = 2.5 voids/night. Patients completed 7-day voiding diaries, and for each void an urgency rating was assessed using a 5-point scale (1, none; 5, urgency incontinence); 24-h voids were categorized by urgency rating: total (1-5), non-OAB (1-2), OAB (3-4), and severe OAB (4-5) voids. All adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

The post hoc analysis included 513 patients (243 placebo; 270 tolterodine ER; 58% men) who were continent at baseline; 47% of 24-h voids were classed as non-OAB, and 12% as severe OAB. After 12 weeks of treatment, tolterodine ER significantly reduced mean urgency rating and 24-h OAB, severe OAB, and total voids vs placebo. Tolterodine ER did not affect normal, non-OAB voids, and there were no significant adverse events related to voiding. Other than dry mouth (tolterodine ER, 9% vs placebo, 2%), all the adverse events were reported in <3% of patients; <2% of patients receiving tolterodine ER withdrew because of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

In continent patients with OAB, tolterodine ER significantly improved urgency rating and reduced 24-h OAB, severe OAB, and total voids, suggesting that it is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for this subpopulation. More studies are needed to better understand the clinical efficacy of tolterodine ER in this under evaluated group of OAB patients without incontinence.

Muscarinic receptors: their distribution and function in body systems, and the implications for treating overactive bladder

1. The effectiveness of antimuscarinic agents in the treatment of the overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome is thought to arise through blockade of bladder muscarinic receptors located on detrusor smooth muscle cells, as well as on nondetrusor structures. 2. Muscarinic M3 receptors are primarily responsible for detrusor contraction. Limited evidence exists to suggest that M2 receptors may have a role in mediating indirect contractions and/or inhibition of detrusor relaxation. In addition, there is evidence that muscarinic receptors located in the urothelium/suburothelium and on afferent nerves may contribute to the pathophysiology of OAB. Blockade of these receptors may also contribute to the clinical efficacy of antimuscarinic agents. 3. Although the role of muscarinic receptors in the bladder, other than M3 receptors, remains unclear, their role in other body systems is becoming increasingly well established, with emerging evidence supporting a wide range of diverse functions. Blockade of these functions by muscarinic receptor antagonists can lead to similarly diverse adverse effects associated with antimuscarinic treatment, with the range of effects observed varying according to the different receptor subtypes affected. 4. This review explores the evolving understanding of muscarinic receptor functions throughout the body, with particular focus on the bladder, gastrointestinal tract, eye, heart, brain and salivary glands, and the implications for drugs used to treat OAB. The key factors that might determine the ideal antimuscarinic drug for treatment of OAB are also discussed. Further research is needed to show whether the M3 selective receptor antagonists have any advantage over less selective drugs, in leading to fewer adverse events.

A double-blind randomized dose-response study comparing daily doses of 5, 10 and 15 mg controlled-release oxybutynin: balancing efficacy with severity of dry mouth

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy, incidence of dry mouth and overall satisfaction with initial doses of 5, 10 and 15 mg of a new, once-daily, controlled-release (CR) form of oxybutynin for treating urge urinary incontinence (UUI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who reported urinary incontinence (UI) (one or more episodes/diary) and voiding frequency (eight or more voids/day) or urgency (one or more episodes/diary) during a 2-week baseline were randomized to once-daily 5, 10 or 15 mg CR oxybutynin for 4 weeks. Daily episodes of UI, voids, urgency, adverse events, dry mouth and satisfaction were recorded in a 3-day diary at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. In all, 237 patients were randomized and evaluated.

RESULTS

Episodes of UI, voids and urgency were significantly reduced over the study period at all doses. Daily UI episodes were significantly lower with 15 mg/day than 5 and 10 mg/day. Dry mouth symptoms were similar in the 10 and 15 mg/day groups, and higher than in the 5 mg/day group. However, significantly greater overall satisfaction was reported with 15 than 5 mg/day.

CONCLUSIONS

There were significant dose-response relationships with CR oxybutynin for both UI episodes and dry mouth. The greatest satisfaction was with 15 mg/day, and the severity of dry mouth was comparable at 10 mg/day, indicating that greater efficacy at the higher dose did not compromise tolerability.

The emergence of new drugs for overactive bladder

Overactive bladder is a common and distressing problem. Standard therapy is directed towards modifying the detrusor motor sensitivity and response via anticholinergic medication. Currently available medications are reviewed and alternative targets for treatment are presented.

Newer pharmacologic options in management of overactive bladder syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Urinary incontinence is an under-reported epidemic that currently affects an estimated 13 million people in the United States, of whom about 11 million are women, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (Publication No. 02-4132). Because many patients are unaware of curative options and perceive it to be an inevitable outcome of advancing age, they fail to report their symptoms and increase their risk of developing associated co-morbid disease. Failure to diagnose and treat this condition increases financial burdens on individuals, their families and health care organizations.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pharmacologic therapy of urge incontinence previously had limited treatment success because efficacious drugs were poorly tolerated, resulting in low patient compliance. Tolerance and effectiveness continue to be improved due to innovative new drugs and alternative delivery systems.

SUMMARY

The goal of this review is to update the clinician on the efficacy and the tolerability of established and investigational pharmacologic modalities of therapy.

Persistence with antimuscarinic therapy in patients with overactive bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a chronic condition, which impacts patients' health and quality of life. The primary symptoms of OAB are distressing and may interfere with work, psychosocial and sexual functioning. OAB also is associated with increased risk of urinary tract infections, fractures from falls, skin infections and depression. Patient's concerns about the effects of incontinence on lifestyle highlight the need to restore continence. The mainstay of treatment is antimuscarinic drug therapy, which may often produce only modest reductions in OAB symptoms and may be accompanied by bothersome adverse effects, leading to poor adherence to prescribed medications. Successful treatment of OAB depends on persistence with the prescribed medication, and efficacy and tolerability are key influencers of persistence. New antimuscarinic agents are now available for treating OAB that significantly improve symptoms of incontinence, urgency and frequency with few adverse effects. An improved efficacy and tolerability profile should result in greater patient satisfaction and persistence with therapy during long-term therapy.

The Effects of Antimuscarinic Treatments in Overactive Bladder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the tolerability, safety and efficacy of antimuscarinic drugs used to treat overactive bladder and to identify any differences between individual antimuscarinics.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, CCTR and Cinahl databases were searched for published RCTs including an antimuscarinic agent from 1966 to August 2004. Data from included trials were extracted and meta-analysed where possible.

RESULTS

Fifty-six trials were included. The antimuscarinics were found to be safe and efficacious. All antimuscarinics apart from oxybutynin IR were found to be well tolerated. Dry mouth was the most commonly reported adverse event and no drug was associated with an increase in any serious adverse event. There were significant differences between the antimuscarinics in rates of withdrawal and rates and range of adverse events and efficacy outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The antimuscarinics have different tolerability and safety profiles, which are clinically significant.