Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptor Agonist and Peripheral Antagonist for Schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

The muscarinic receptor agonist xanomeline has antipsychotic properties and is devoid of dopamine receptor-blocking activity but causes cholinergic adverse events. Trospium is a peripherally restricted muscarinic receptor antagonist that reduces peripheral cholinergic effects of xanomeline. The efficacy and safety of combined xanomeline and trospium in patients with schizophrenia are unknown.

METHODS

In this double-blind, phase 2 trial, we randomly assigned patients with schizophrenia in a 1:1 ratio to receive twice-daily xanomeline-trospium (increased to a maximum of 125 mg of xanomeline and 30 mg of trospium per dose) or placebo for 5 weeks. The primary end point was the change from baseline to week 5 in the total score on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS; range, 30 to 210, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms of schizophrenia). Secondary end points were the change in the PANSS positive symptom subscore, the score on the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scale (range, 1 to 7, with higher scores indicating greater severity of illness), the change in the PANSS negative symptom subscore, the change in the PANSS Marder negative symptom subscore, and the percentage of patients with a response according to a CGI-S score of 1 or 2.

RESULTS

A total of 182 patients were enrolled, with 90 assigned to receive xanomeline-trospium and 92 to receive placebo. The PANSS total score at baseline was 97.7 in the xanomeline-trospium group and 96.6 in the placebo group. The change from baseline to week 5 was -17.4 points with xanomeline-trospium and -5.9 points with placebo (least-squares mean difference, -11.6 points; 95% confidence interval, -16.1 to -7.1; P<0.001). The results for the secondary end points were significantly better in the xanomeline-trospium group than in the placebo group, with the exception of the percentage of patients with a CGI-S response. The most common adverse events in the xanomeline-trospium group were constipation, nausea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, and vomiting. The incidences of somnolence, weight gain, restlessness, and extrapyramidal symptoms were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In a 5-week trial, xanomeline-trospium resulted in a greater decrease in the PANSS total score than placebo but was associated with cholinergic and anticholinergic adverse events. Larger and longer trials are required to determine the efficacy and safety of xanomeline-trospium in patients with schizophrenia. (Funded by Karuna Therapeutics and the Wellcome Trust; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03697252.).

Anticholinergic burden and comorbidities in patients attending treatment with trospium chloride for overactive bladder in a real-life setting: results of a prospective non-interventional study

BACKGROUND

Elderly people are representative for the patients most likely to be treated with anticholinergics for overactive bladder (OAB). They often receive further drugs with anticholinergic properties for concomitant conditions. This increases the risk for side effects, including central nervous system disorders. Data on comorbidities and baseline anticholinergic burden of OAB patients seen in urological practice is scarce. Therefore, we included an epidemiological survey on these issues in our study which assessed the effectiveness and tolerability of trospium chloride (TC) in established dosages under routine conditions.

METHODS

Outpatients (≥ 65 years of age), for whom treatment with TC was indicated, were eligible to participate in this non-interventional, prospective study performed in 162 urological practices in Germany. Epidemiological questions were evaluated by the Anticholinergic Burden (ACB) scale and the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G) at baseline. Efficacy was assessed by changes in symptom-related variables of OAB after treatment. Dosage regimen, duration of treatment, adverse events, withdrawals, and ease of subdivision of the prescribed SNAP-TAB tablet were documented. Patients and physicians rated efficacy and tolerability of treatment. Statistics were descriptive.

RESULTS

Four hundred fourty-five out of 986 (47.54%) patients in the epidemiological population had a baseline ACB scale score > 0, 100 (24.72%) of whom a score ≥ 3. The median CIRS-G comorbidity index score for all patients was 5. 78.55% (608/774) of patients in the efficacy population received a daily dose of 45 mg TC. 60.03% (365/608) of them took this dose by dividing the SNAP-TAB tablet in three equal parts. Before-after-comparisons of the core symptoms of OAB showed clear improvements. An influence of the dosage scheme (1 × 45 mg TC/d vs 3 × 15 mg TC/d) on clinical outcome could not be observed. Most urologists and patients rated TC treatment as effective and well tolerated. 44 (4.37%) out of 1007 patients in the safety collective ended their treatment prematurely, while 75 patients (7.45%) experienced adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Anticholinergic burden and comorbidities in elderly OAB patients are frequent. The acceptance of the SNAP-TAB tablet, which facilitates flexible dosing with TC, was high, which is supportive in ensuring adherence in therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This non-interventional study was registered on October 29, 2014 with the number DRKS00007109 at the German Register of Clinical Studies (DRKS).

MORPHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF NO-SYNTHASE DISTRIBUTION IN OVERACTIVE BLADDER AND STRESS URINE INCONTINENCE IN ANIMAL MODELS ADMINISTERED WITH EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOCORRECTION REGIMENS

The objective of the study was immunohistochemical evaluation of distribution of various NO synthase fractions in the structural elements of the bladder wall under stress urinary incontinence and its overactivity prior and post Mirabegron, Spasmex, Quercetin therapies and their combinations with Testosterone and Estradiol. Using the immunohistochemical method, we studied the expression of the main fractions of NO synthase in experimental models of hyperactive bladder (OAB) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). We found that OAB and SUI were characterized by emergence of expression of the inducible fraction (iNOS) predominantly in the interstitial cells of the muscular layer of the bladder and reduced expression of endothelial (eNOS) and neuronal (nNOs) NO synthase fractions. In contrast to Spasmex, Mirabegron and Quercetin in combination with Testosterone and Estradiol contributed to stabilization of eNOS and nNOs expression already at early observation phases, and reduced the level of iNOS expression with its further disappearance in the later observation period.

The effective tool for self-assessment of adherence to treatment in patients with benign prostatic obstruction and overactive bladder symptoms

PURPOSE

Study of validity of the Medication Adherence Self-Report Inventory (MASRI) for use in clinical practice to treat patients with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) accompanied with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

METHODS

During 12 weeks of the randomized study, 452 patients with BPO and OAB symptoms (mean age of 61.3 (12.7)) were studied for adherence to the treatment with Tamsulosin, Solifenacin and Trospium using the MASRI. External monitoring instruments included the Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) and the visual remaining pill count. The state of the prostate gland and the lower urinary tract was monitored using questionnaires I-PSS, OAB Awareness Tool, uroflowmetry and voiding diaries.

RESULT

Correlation between the percentage of men non-adherent to treatment (MASRI) and the percentage of patients having a belief barrier on the screen of the BMQ was r = 0.89, p ≤0.05, r = 0.92, p ≤0.01, r = 0.85, p ≤0.05, a number of missed doses on the Regimen Screen of the BMQ was r = 0.79; p ≤0.05; r = 0.81; p ≤0.05; r = 0.75, p ≤0.05, a number of non-adherent patients according to the BMQ was r = 0.83 (p ≤0.05), r = 0.88 (p ≤0.05), r = 0.79, p ≤0.05, the results of the pill count were r = 0.65-0.76; p ≤0.05-0.01. These data confirm high validity of the MASRI.

CONCLUSION

The MASRI is a valid tool for rapid assessment of adherence to treatment of patients with BPO and OAB receiving Tamsulosin and antimuscarinic drugs and may be recommended for use in clinical practice.

[High doses of trospium chloride in patients with idiopathic overactive bladder. Data of large-scale, multicenter observational program Resource]

PURPOSE

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of different doses of trospium chloride in patients with idiopathic overactive bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Large-scale observational program "Resource" included 669 patients with idiopathic OAB - 359 women and 310 men. At the first visit, all patients were assigned to use of trospium chloride at a standard dose of 45 mg per day. The results of treatment were evaluated during follow-up visits at 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks. Depending on the results of examination, the dose was reduced in the presence of adverse events and increased in case of insufficient treatment effects.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks, 102 patients have been receiving the drug at a dose of 30 mg/day, 241 - at a dose of 45 mg/day, 257 - at a dose of 60 mg/day, and 22 - at a dose of 75 mg/day.

CONCLUSIONS

Individual approach to the selection of doses of trospium chloride in patients with idiopathic OAB can be quite effective and safe measure to achieve optimal clinical outcome with a good safety profile.

Patient Survey on Satisfaction and Impact of 123I-Ioflupane Dopamine Transporter Imaging

Patients were surveyed to assess the impact of dopamine transporter imaging on diagnostic confidence, change in treatment plan, effect on medication compliance, and subjective well-being. Surveys were sent to 140 patients who completed dopamine transporter imaging an average of 18 months prior. Sixty-five surveys from patients (46%) were returned. Questions assessed patients’ perceived impact of the imaging on their care. Increased diagnostic confidence following imaging was reported by 69% of patients. Changes to treatment plan from imaging were reported by 24% of patients. Overall satisfaction with the study and its impact was reported by 70% of patients. Dopamine transporter imaging increased diagnostic confidence among patients and overall patient satisfaction with the impact of imaging on clinical care was high.

Additional correction of OAB symptoms by two anti-muscarinics for men over 50 years old with residual symptoms of moderate prostatic obstruction after treatment with Tamsulosin

OBJECTIVES

To study the effectiveness and safety of combined standard-dosed Solifenacin and Trospium for management of symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) in elderly patients after the treatment with Tamsulosin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 417 men over 50 years of age (average age 57.9 (8.3)) with diagnosed prostatic obstruction (score 8-19 according to I-PSS), who had not taken Tamsulosin before, were enrolled in the study. I-PSS questionnaire (from 8 to 19 - moderate) and Awareness Tool questionnaire for evaluating OAB symptoms (total score for OAB symptoms over 8) were used at the beginning and at the end of the observation. Also, urodynamic parameters were examined.

RESULT

Percentage of patients with prevalent symptoms of obstruction of urethra decreases after the treatment with Tamsulosin and then rises again (36.2%), but absolute number of patients remains smaller than initial data. Percentage of patients with relative prevalence of symptoms of overactive bladder slightly increases against administration of Tamsulosin and reaches initial values at the time of administration of anti-muscarinic drugs with absolute decrease in number of such patients.

CONCLUSION

Combination of Trospium and Solifenacin is an effective way to manage residual symptoms of hyperactive bladder during treatment of early obstruction of urinary bladder.

The cost-effectiveness of solifenacin vs. trospium in the treatment of patients with overactive bladder in the German National Health Service

OBJECTIVE

To carry out a cost-utility analysis comparing initial treatment of patients with overactive bladder (OAB) with solifenacin 5 mg/day versus either trospium 20 mg twice a day or trospium 60 mg/day from the perspective of the German National Health Service.

METHODS

A decision analytic model with a 3 month cycle was developed to follow a cohort of OAB patients treated with either solifenacin or trospium during a 1 year period. Costs and utilities were accumulated as patients transitioned through the four cycles in the model. Some of the solifenacin patients were titrated from 5 mg to 10 mg/day at 3 months. Utility values were obtained from the published literature and pad use was based on a US resource utilization study. Adherence rates for individual treatments were derived from a United Kingdom general practitioner database review. The change in the mean number of urgency urinary incontinence episodes/day from after 12 weeks was the main outcome measure. Baseline effectiveness values for solifenacin and trospium were calculated using the Poisson distribution. Patients who failed second-line therapy were referred to a specialist visit. Results were expressed in terms of incremental cost-utility ratios.

RESULTS

Total annual costs for solifenacin, trospium 20 mg and trospium 60 mg were €970.01, €860.05 and €875.05 respectively. Drug use represented 43%, 28% and 29% of total costs and pad use varied between 45% and 57%. Differences between cumulative utilities were small but favored solifenacin (0.6857 vs. 0.6802 to 0.6800). The baseline incremental cost-effectiveness ratio ranged from €16,657 to €19,893 per QALY.

LIMITATIONS

The difference in cumulative utility favoring solifenacin was small (0.0055-0.0057 QALYs). A small absolute change in the cumulative utilities can have a marked impact on the overall incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and care should be taken when interpreting the results.

CONCLUSION

Solifenacin would appear to be cost-effective with an ICER of no more than €20,000/QALY. However, small differences in utility between the alternatives means that the results are sensitive to adjustments in the values of the assigned utilities, effectiveness and discontinuation rates.

Anticholinergic therapy vs. onabotulinumtoxina for urgency urinary incontinence

BACKGROUND

Anticholinergic medications and onabotulinumtoxinA are used to treat urgency urinary incontinence, but data directly comparing the two types of therapy are needed.

METHODS

We performed a double-blind, double-placebo-controlled, randomized trial involving women with idiopathic urgency urinary incontinence who had five or more episodes of urgency urinary incontinence per 3-day period, as recorded in a diary. For a 6-month period, participants were randomly assigned to daily oral anticholinergic medication (solifenacin, 5 mg initially, with possible escalation to 10 mg and, if necessary, subsequent switch to trospium XR, 60 mg) plus one intradetrusor injection of saline or one intradetrusor injection of 100 U of onabotulinumtoxinA plus daily oral placebo. The primary outcome was the reduction from baseline in mean episodes of urgency urinary incontinence per day over the 6-month period, as recorded in 3-day diaries submitted monthly. Secondary outcomes included complete resolution of urgency urinary incontinence, quality of life, use of catheters, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Of 249 women who underwent randomization, 247 were treated, and 241 had data available for the primary outcome analyses. The mean reduction in episodes of urgency urinary incontinence per day over the course of 6 months, from a baseline average of 5.0 per day, was 3.4 in the anticholinergic group and 3.3 in the onabotulinumtoxinA group (P=0.81). Complete resolution of urgency urinary incontinence was reported by 13% and 27% of the women, respectively (P=0.003). Quality of life improved in both groups, without significant between-group differences. The anticholinergic group had a higher rate of dry mouth (46% vs. 31%, P=0.02) but lower rates of catheter use at 2 months (0% vs. 5%, P=0.01) and urinary tract infections (13% vs. 33%, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral anticholinergic therapy and onabotulinumtoxinA by injection were associated with similar reductions in the frequency of daily episodes of urgency urinary incontinence. The group receiving onabotulinumtoxinA was less likely to have dry mouth and more likely to have complete resolution of urgency urinary incontinence but had higher rates of transient urinary retention and urinary tract infections. (Funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01166438.).

[Sexual dysfunction in women with overactive bladder and their correction with m-cholinolytic spasmex]

A 4-month course of spasmex (15 mg three times a day) was conducted in 57 females (age 18-69 years, mean age 48 years) suffering from imperative urination manifesting as pollakiuria, imperative urges and urgent urinary incontinence in combination with sexual disorders. After the treatment the score of urination disorders went down from 21.4 to 12.7. Quality of life score decreased from 4.3 to 1.7. Sexual dysfunction diminished from 3.6 to 0.8 points. Clinical data showed that spasmex has a marked effect on m-cholinoreceptors, is well tolerated, has a moderate spasmolytic effect on the smooth muscles of the lower urinary tract. Moreover, spasmex can be used for correction of female sexual dysfunction caused by overactive bladder.

[Clinical and urodynamic rationale of the overactive bladder neurophysiological model]

The analysis of 58 cases of overactive bladder has shown that detrusor activity is not linked with clinical symptoms but is caused by supra segmentary lesion of the nervous system. The clinical picture of overactive bladder fits the proposed neurophysiological model where ischemic damage of the association neuron located in the lumbar spinal marrow triggers miction disorders leading to preganglionary detrusor denervation. Combined therapy with alpha1-adrenoblocker and M-cholinolytic is pathogenetically sound. Trospium chloride (spasmex) was used for long-term treatment of the patients as it produces minimal number of side effects and enables dose and schedule variation.

Trospium and cognition in patients with late onset Alzheimer disease

OBJECTIVES

Cholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and antimuscarinic agents for the treatment of urge urinary incontinence (UUI) may reduce the potential effect of each other in the patients with both diseases. Trospium has a relatively low lipophilicity and low CNS penetration, and galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitors, has also allosterically modulates nicotinic cholinergic receptors. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of dual use of trospium and galantamine for 6 months in the elderly patients with AD and UUI.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and seventy eight elderly patients: 99 UUI patients (Group I, treated with trospium), 43 AD patients (Group II, treated with galantamine) and 36 AD and UUI patients (Group III, treated with galantamine and trospium) were evaluated by geriatric assessments, the Global Perception Index (GPI), Patients' Satisfaction Question (PSQ), Estimated Patients' Improvement (EPI), nocturia and pads/day at baseline and in the 6th month.

RESULTS

Trospium increased the satisfaction of the patients in Groups I and III according to the EPI, PSQ, GPI, number of nocturia and pads/day. Decreasing in the GDS score was significant in the Group I and III (p < 0.05). Decreasing in the ADL score was significant in the Group III (p < 0.05). The MMSE scores were not significantly changed in the all groups during the 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Consequently, we have thought that a combination of trospium and galantamine could be recommended for the management of the elderly patients with UUI and AD, which are common problems in the elderly.

[Comparative characteristics of M-cholinolytics in combined treatment of mixed urinary incontinence in women]

Laparoscopic retropubic urethropexy by Birch was followed by chemotherapy with m-cholinolytics in 30 women with mixed urinary incontinence. 15 patients received trospium chloride in a daily dose 30-45 mg and the other 15--oxibutinin hydrochloride in a daily dose 10-15 mg. A comparative analysis of the treatment results after 36 months of follow-up demonstrated higher safety of trospium chloride which showed the same efficacy with oxibutinin hydrochloride.

[Trospium chloride (spasmex) in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with neurogenic hyperactive urinary bladder caused by vertebrogenic lesions]

The study included 62 patients (30 males and 32 females, age 19-80 years, duration of the disease 2-28 years) with vertebrogenic disease suffering from urgent, frequent voiding. All the patients have undergone detailed urodynamic and general urological examination monthly before and after treatment. Spasmex was given orally to 16 patients of group 1 (15 mg/day), 24 patients of group 2 (30 mg/day) and 22 patients of group 3 (45 mg/day) once a day for 6 months. It is shown that spasmex in doses 15, 30 and 45 mg was highly effective and well tolerated. Spasmex in a dose 45 mg/day not only significantly reduced the number of urinations but also increased cystometric capacity and mean effective volume of the bladder, reduced the number of urgent voiding. Main side effects of the drug were xerostomia and constipation the frequency of which was the same in all the groups.

Treatment of overactive bladder: selective use of anticholinergic agents with low drug-drug interaction potential

Overactive bladder (OAB) is highly prevalent in the older population and decreases quality of life. Current therapy consists primarily of anticholinergic drugs. Because older individuals typically take multiple medications, clinicians must pay special attention to potential drug-drug interactions that may cause adverse events or alter drug efficacy. The most clinically important drug-drug interactions occur during cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isoenzyme metabolism, resulting in altered metabolism of one or more of the coadministered agents. Of the drugs indicated for OAB, tolterodine, darifenacin, solifenacin, and oxybutynin are extensively metabolized by CYP450, but trospium is not. Trospium is eliminated as unchanged drug, suggesting that it has lower potential for drug-drug interactions and may, therefore, represent a safer treatment option for OAB, particularly in the context of polypharmacy, a significant concern in older adults.

Comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of solifenacin succinate with or without previous use of trospium chloride

Overactive bladder syndrome (OBS) is described as urinary urgency with or without incontinence, usually with increased daytime frequency and nocturia in the absence of another identifiable pathological process. Nowadays and despite other alternative therapies, the mainstay of OBS is still the pharmacological approach, mainly with anti-muscarinic drugs. To compare the efficacy of a 30-day solifenacin succinate (5 mg OD) treatment with or without previous medication with trospium chloride, a prostective open, two-arm, parallel group study was conducted for 5 weeks in 40 patients with OBS. The primary endpoint was patient self-assessment of improvement after 30 days of medication. Secondary endpoints included the reduction of the daily number of voids and urgency or involuntary leakage episodes. Adverse reactions and therapeutic stoppage were also evaluated. To be included in the trospium chloride treatment group, patients were required to have been treated with such drug for 1 to 6 months before the present study. Evaluation and efficacy assessment were accomplished using a 3-day bladder diary and an urgency severity scale (USS). Safety assessment was done by recording all the patients' complaints after starting medication. A total of 40 patients were enrolled for this study, 19 without previous medication and 21 who had already tried trospium chloride. Two patients from the non-previous medication group were excluded. Globally, there was a statistically significant reduction for the USS (2.73-->1.73), the daily number of voids (9.5-->7.0), of urgency episodes (9.1-->4.0) and of involuntary leakage episodes (3.6-->1.0) over the 24 h. Six patients had no improvement, four from the previous trospium chloride group and two from the non-previous medication group. Three patients reported side effects, two cases of dry mouth and one case of constipation. One patient dropped out of the treatment due to an unspecified intolerance. Solifenacin succinate 5 mg seems to be effective concerning patients' self-assessment of improvement and decrease in the mean number of daily voids, urgency episodes and incontinence episodes. This was reported both in patients who have already been medicated with trospium chloride and those who have never taken any kind of medication. Regarding side effects, solifenacin is quite well-tolerated in both groups.

[M-cholinolytic spasmex and its role in preoperative preparation of patients with urine incontinence]

Non-invasive uroflowmetric monitoring in females with combined incontinence has demonstrated that hyperactive urinary bladder and stress urine incontinence in females are similar in relation to functional disorders of the low urinary tract both in complete and partial syndrome of imperative urination. In the latter case, when imperative urine incontinence is absent, voiding structure is changed in the same manner, and the patients' preparation for surgical intervention demands long-term treatment with M-cholinolytics. We propose to use spasmex (trospium chloride) which has minimal side effects in long-term therapy. Conservative therapy of such patients with spasmex radically changes background for planning surgical intervention.

Trospium chloride in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity: Is dose titration of benefit to the patients?

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether dose titration based on therapeutic response is superior to standard dosing of oral trospium chloride in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity and, moreover, to investigate the possible underlying causes of differences in efficacy at equal doses in some patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using a double-blind approach, two groups (standard dose and adjustable dose) with a total of 80 patients were treated with trospium chloride coated tablets for a period of 3 - 5 weeks. Treatment duration and daily doses varied depending on change ofurodynamic parameters defined as therapeutic response. In Week 1, both groups started on 45 mg/day (3 x 15 mg). In the adjustable dose group, it was permissible to increase the daily dose to 90 or 135 mg/day depending on the urodynamic treatment response. In contrast, doses remained unchanged in the standard dose group although a need for dose adjustment had been recognized under the double-blind conditions. Therapeutic response was defined as improvement of at least two of the following three urodynamic parameters: bladder compliance 2 20 ml/cmH20, maximum cystometric capacity > 250 ml and maximum detrusor pressure < 40 cmH20. Changes in individual urodynamic parameters were defined as secondary efficacy variables. Primary and secondary parameters were assessed by comparing baseline values with those at the end of treatment. Therapeutic response was analyzed by using the Fisher-Yates test, and the Mann-Whitney U-test was used for secondary parameters. Trospium plasma concentration was measured to assess patient's compliance and as a tool to elucidate possible factors influencing treatment efficacy. Safety and tolerability were evaluated based on withdrawal rates and adverse events.

RESULTS

Both dose groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Therapeutic response was achieved in 58% of patients in the adjustable dose group (ADG) and in 72% of those in the standard dose group (SDG, p -0.23). Clinically relevant increases in maximum cystometric capacity and bladder compliance were observed, and there was a clear decrease in detrusor pressure. After Day 7, the daily dose was increased in 52.8% of all patients in the adjustable dose group and (seemingly) in 32.5% of those of the standard dose group. Further dose escalation after Day 14 was assessed as necessary in 15% of the standard dose group and 22% of the adjustable dose group. The main changes in urodynamic parameters occurred during the first 7 days of treatment, but in some patients it takes a longer time. No statistically significant differences between plasma trospium chloride levels in the two dose groups were observed at any time, but increase of plasma concentration with higher doses became obvious when patients were differentiated to individual dose stages. In both groups, the most common treatment-related adverse event was dry mouth (ADG 35%, SDG 37%), which never led to discontinuation of treatment. Rates of other adverse events such as dry skin, dysopia, increased heart rate and gastrointestinal disorders were much lower.

CONCLUSION

Generally, in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity daily doses of 45 mg trospium chloride can be considered as being the standard dose, and dose adjustment, e.g. due to increased body weight, might usually not be necessary. However, increased daily doses of up to 135 mg appear to be safe when prescribed in individual patients less responsive to the drug.

Trospium Chloride: Distinct Among Other Anticholinergic Agents Available for the Treatment of Overactive Bladder

Trospium chloride is an antimuscarinic agent indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and urinary frequency. It has been available in Europe for over 20 years and in the United States since May 2004. Trospium has pharmacologic properties that are distinct from other antimuscarinic agents. The safety and efficacy profiles of trospium and how its pharmacologic properties contribute to these profiles form the basis for this review. The low incidence of adverse event of central nervous system effects and the efficacy parameters of "urgency" and "onset of action" are highlighted.

Treatment of the overactive bladder syndrome with muscarinic receptor antagonists - a matter of metabolites?

Antagonists of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, such as darifenacin, oxybutynin, propiverine, solifenacin, tolterodine, and trospium, are the mainstay of the treatment of the overactive bladder syndrome. Fesoterodine is a newer drug awaiting regulatory approval. We briefly review the pharmacological activity of their metabolites and discuss how active metabolites may contribute to their efficacy and tolerability in vivo. Except for trospium, and perhaps solifenacin, all of the above drugs form active metabolites, and their presence and activity need to be taken into consideration when elucidating relationships between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these drugs. Moreover, the ratios between parent compounds and metabolites may differ depending on genotype of the metabolizing enzymes, concomitant medication, and/or drug formulation. Differential generation of active metabolites of darifenacin or tolterodine are unlikely to influence the overall clinical profile of these drugs in a major way because the active metabolites exhibit a similar pharmacological profile as the parent compound. In contrast, metabolites of oxybutynin and propiverine may behave quantitatively or even qualitatively differently from their parent compounds and this may have an impact on the overall clinical profile of these drugs. We conclude that more comprehensive studies of drug metabolites are required for an improved understanding of their clinical effects.

Clinical pharmacokinetics of trospium chloride

Trospium chloride, a quaternary amine with anticholinergic properties, is used for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and urinary frequency. The pharmacokinetics of trospium chloride have been investigated in healthy volunteers, in patients with renal and hepatic impairment, and in those with symptoms of overactive bladder, after oral, intravenous and intravesical administration. After oral administration, absorption of the hydrophilic trospium chloride is slow and incomplete. Peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) of approximately 4 ng/mL are reached 4-5 hours after administration of a 20 mg immediate-release preparation. The mean bioavailability is approximately 10% and decreases by concomitant food intake (to a mean of 26% of the fasting area under the plasma concentration-time curve [AUC]). Trospium chloride displays dose proportional increases in AUC and Cmax after a single dose within the clinically relevant dose range (20-60 mg). The mean volume of distribution is approximately 350-800 L. The drug is minimally (mean approximately 10%) metabolised to spiroalcohol by hydrolysis, is 50% plasma protein bound and does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Urinary excretion of the parent compound plays a major role in the disposition of the drug, with a mean renal clearance of 29 L/h (accounting for approximately 70% of total clearance) and a mean elimination half-life ranging from 10 to 20 hours. Elimination of the drug is slowed in patients with renal insufficiency, and population pharmacokinetic modelling has demonstrated that drug clearance is correlated with serum creatinine concentration. Thus, dose reduction is needed in patients with severe renal impairment (i.e. creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min). To date, no clinically relevant pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions have been identified; the drug does not bind to any of the drug metabolising cytochrome P450 enzymes. The pharmacokinetics of the drug are compatible with twice-daily administration. A once-daily schedule may also be appropriate, but this regimen needs formal clinical evaluation.

Trospium chloride: the European experience

The primary pharmacological therapy for overactive bladder syndrome is muscarinic receptor antagonists. Muscarinic receptor blockade is effective in decreasing the symptoms of urinary urgency and urgency incontinence, but can be associated with troublesome complications, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and CNS side effects. Trospium chloride, an antimuscarinic medication, has been available in Europe for > 20 years and has recently been approved by the FDA for the treatment of overactive bladder. Trospium chloride is a quaternary amine that is minimally metabolised, not highly protein bound and, importantly, has not been demonstrated to cross the unaltered blood-brain barrier in healthy volunteers. Some characteristics of this unique antimuscarinic agent and the European experience with trospium chloride are reviewed in this article.

[Tuberculosis of the urinary bladder: diagnosis and treatment]

Tuberculosis of the urinary bladder (UB) is registered in 10-45.6% patients with urogenital tuberculosis. It is a severe incapacitating complication of kidney tuberculosis which significantly lowers quality of life. The results of the standard therapy of 76 patients with tuberculous cystitis are analysed. UB tuberculosis is diagnosed more often in women, outcomes of their treatment are worse. Twenty six patients with UB tuberculosis at the stage of overactive bladder received polychemotherapy and adjuvant trospium. After 3 months urination frequency decreased 4.3 times, on the average; UB volume increased 4.7 times, on the average. Complications were not registered.

Multicenter phase III trial studying trospium chloride in patients with overactive bladder

OBJECTIVES

To study the efficacy and safety of trospium chloride in treating overactive bladder. Trospium chloride is an anticholinergic agent with predominantly peripheral nonselective antimuscarinic activity and thus has potential therapeutic value in treating patients with overactive bladder.

METHODS

Patients with overactive bladder were randomized on a 1:1 basis to either placebo or trospium chloride 20 mg twice daily in this 12-week, multicenter, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The primary endpoint was the change in the average number of toilet voids per 24 hours. The secondary efficacy variables were changes in the average void urgency severity, volume per toilet void, urge frequency, number of daily urge urinary incontinence episodes, and daytime sleepiness.

RESULTS

A total of 658 patients were randomized at 52 sites. Trospium chloride significantly decreased the average number of daily toilet voids, average urgency severity, urge frequency, and urge urinary incontinence episodes and increased the average volume per void at weeks 1, 4, and 12. All effects occurred by the end of week 1 and all improved and were sustained throughout the 12-week study. Adverse events included dry mouth and constipation.

CONCLUSIONS

Trospium chloride had significant and sustained effectiveness beginning at the end of week 1 and continuing through 12 weeks of treatment. Trospium chloride was also safe and generally well tolerated.

Using anticholinergics to treat overactive bladder: the issue of treatment tolerability

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a chronic syndrome with debilitating symptoms that negatively affect health-related quality of life. Although anticholinergic agents have been first-line treatment for OAB for many years, the efficacious pharmacologic management of this condition has been compromised by concerns regarding tolerability. Anticholinergic agents prevent involuntary contractions of the bladder detrusor muscle by preventing acetylcholine from binding to the M2 and M3 muscarinic receptor subtypes. Anticholinergics are not tissue specific, and their use for treatment of OAB has been associated with side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. Recent studies with extended-release formulations and newly developed receptor subtype-specific anticholinergic agents demonstrate that side effects are typically mild to moderate and generally tolerable, seldom leading to patient withdrawal. By incorporating patient-initiated dose adjustment into the protocol, the primary care physician can effectively manage adverse events associated with OAB without compromising efficacy. Recent dose-adjustment data with extended-release oxybutynin suggest that, given some control in the process, patients are willing to tolerate certain side effects in exchange for symptom relief.

Trospium chloride for the treatment of overactive bladder with urge incontinence

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence is caused by an overactive bladder, leading to symptoms of urgency, frequency, and incontinence. Urge incontinence occurs predominantly in women as they age.

OBJECTIVES

This article reviews the current primary literature concerning the efficacy and tolerability of the anticholinergic agent trospium chloride (TCl) in the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge incontinence, urgency, and frequency. The pharmacokinetics of TCl are also reviewed.

METHODS

Pertinent articles in English were identified through a search of MEDLINE (1966-present), EMBASE Drugs & Pharmacology (1980-third quarter 2004), Current Contents/Clinical Medicine (week 42, 2003-week 41, 2004), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MICROMEDEX Healthcare Series, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-present). The search terms were overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, trospium, randomized controlled clinical trial, oxybutynin, tolterodine, scopolamine, imipramine, desipramine, and propantheline.

RESULTS

TCl, a quaternary amine, exhibits high solubility in water but low oral bioavailability (9.6%) and poor central nervous system penetration. Approximately 80% of the absorbed fraction is renally eliminated as unchanged drug via active tubular secretion, with approximately 15% hepatically metabolized into a spiroalcohol and hydrolysis/oxidation products. In 3 placebo-controlled studies, patients who received TCl had an increase in maximum bladder filling capacity and bladder compliance, with a reduction in maximum cystometric capacity (P < 0.005); however, only 1 of these studies showed an increase in bladder compliance, with reductions in maximum detrusor pressure (P < 0.001), number of voids/d (P < or = 0.001), and incontinence episodes/d (P < or = 0.001). In another placebo-controlled study, TCl reduced the number of voids/d and incontinence episodes/d (both, P < or = 0.001). In 2 double-blind studies, TCl and oxybutynin were similarly effective in significantly increasing maximum cystometric capacity and bladder compliance, and in significantly reducing maximum detrusor pressure compared with baseline (all, P < 0.001); there were no significant differences between the 2 treatments at end point. In a third double-blind study comparing TCl and tolterodine with placebo, only TCl significantly reduced the frequency of micturitions/d (P = 0.01). Commonly reported adverse effects in patients receiving TCl included dry mouth, constipation, and headache.

CONCLUSIONS

In the 7 studies reviewed, TCl was effective and well tolerated in patients with urge incontinence caused by idiopathic detrusor muscle overactivity or neurogenic detrusor overactivity resulting from spinal cord injury. However, this agent was associated with anticholinergic adverse effects similar to those of other anticholinergic agents; careful monitoring of tolerability is required.

Trospium chloride: an anticholinergic quaternary ammonium compound for the treatment of overactive bladder

The International Continence Society has defined overactive bladder (OAB) as urinary urgency, with or without urge urinary incontinence, usually with urinary frequency and nocturia. Approximately 17% of men and women in the US report OAB symptoms, which can affect quality of life. Trospium chloride, which has recently been introduced in the US as Sanctura, has been prescribed for > 10 years in Europe as, for example, Spasmo-lyt, Regurin and Spasmex. Trospium chloride has been shown to be effective in relieving OAB symptoms, and has a favourable safety profile, showing < 1% difference for all adverse events compared with placebo, except for dry mouth, constipation and headache. Metabolic drug-drug interactions are unlikely, given that trospium chloride is not metabolised by cytochrome P450 isozymes. The fast-acting efficacy of trospium chloride, coupled with its good safety profile and tolerability, make it an important new option for treatment of OAB.

[Trospium chloride in the treatment of idiopathic and neurogenic detrusor overactivity]

The aim of the study was to investigate safety and efficacy of spasmex (trospium chloride) in patients with idiopathic and neurogenic detrusor overactivity. The study included 66 patients with idiopathic and neurogenic detrusor overactivity. The diagnostic scheme consisted of voiding dairy for 72 hours, laboratory tests, ultrasound investigation with measurement of residual urine volume, urodynamic investigation and neurologic examination. The patients were divided into 4 groups: 15 patients with idiopathic detrusor overactivity (DOA), 16 with neurogenic DOA, 23 with combination of DOA with benign prostatic hyperplasia, 12 with overactive bladder without DOA. Initial trospium chloride dose of 15 mg/day (5 mg 3 times a day) followed by dose titration to obtain clinical efficacy was used under residual urine volume control every week. The maximal dose was 45 mg. After 12 weeks reduction of micturation frequency was registered in all the groups. Administration of small dose trospium chloride (15 mg) resulted in subjective improvement in 63 (94.5%) patients. Only 3 patients persisted with the symptoms in whom the dose was raised to 30 mg and then to 45 mg/day. Thus, spasmex demonstrated high efficacy in patients with bladder overactivity. High efficacy and safety with low cost make spasmex a drug of choice in the majority of patients with overactive bladder symptoms.

THE OVERACTIVE BLADDER-SYMPTOM COMPOSITE SCORE: A COMPOSITE SYMPTOM SCORE OF TOILET VOIDS, URGENCY SEVERITY AND URGE URINARY INCONTINENCE IN PATIENTS WITH OVERACTIVE BLADDER

PURPOSE

To our knowledge there is no index in urology that yields a single, quantifiable and clinically interpretable measure of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, including urgency, 24-hour voiding frequency and urge urinary incontinence (UUI). Urgency is the most difficult of these symptoms to measure. The Indevus Urgency Severity Scale (Indevus Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, Massachusetts) was recently developed and validated to capture urgency severity per toilet void. The scale has been combined with 24-hour frequency and UUI episodes to create the OAB Symptom Composite Score (OAB-SCS). We present this composite score.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two multicenter trials were performed to determine the effects of trospium chloride given as 20 mg tablets vs placebo. A total of 1,157 patients, including 581 who received placebo and 576 who received trospium, were randomly assigned to treatment. Daily OAB-SCS totals were obtained for each patient for each day during the 7-day diary collection period for every visit.

RESULTS

The average baseline OAB-SCS value was 36. The mean change from baseline in the trospium and placebo groups was 5 and 1 OAB-SCS points in patients with mild OAB, 10 and 5 in patients with moderate OAB, and 13 and 9 in patients with severe OAB, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The OAB-SCS discriminated between placebo and pharmacologically treated (trospium chloride) patients with OAB in this study. The OAB-SCS is an improvement over individual symptoms alone. It is easy to implement and interpret and it will prove to be a clinically relevant tool in clinical trials in which patient diary data are captured.

Preview of new drugs for overactive bladder and incontinence: darifenacin, solifenacin, trospium, and duloxetine

This year, the US Food and Drug Administration will approve four new drugs indicated for the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction. Darifenacin, solifenacin, and trospium are antimuscarinic agents aimed at relieving the symptoms of overactive bladder and urge incontinence in men and women. Duloxetine will be the first drug approved for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. This article presents current data on the efficacy and tolerability of these new agents and invites the reader to decide whether they offer any potential advantages over existing therapies.

Trospium chloride in the management of overactive bladder

Trospium chloride is an orally active, quaternary ammonium compound with antimuscarinic activity. It binds specifically and with high affinity to muscarinic receptors M(1), M(2) and M(3), but not nicotinic, cholinergic receptors. It is hydrophilic and does not cross the normal blood-brain barrier in significant amounts and, therefore, has minimal central anticholinergic activity. Peak plasma trospium chloride concentrations are attained approximately 5-6 hours after oral administration, which should occur before meals as concurrent food ingestion significantly reduces trospium bioavailability. Trospium chloride undergoes negligible metabolism by the hepatic cytochrome P450 system; few metabolic drug interactions are known. While trospium chloride dosage adjustments based on age or sex appear unwarranted, such adjustments may be needed in patients with severe renal impairment. Direct comparative studies in patients with overactive bladder indicate that trospium chloride is at least as effective as oxybutynin and tolterodine. Placebo-controlled studies have also confirmed the efficacy of trospium chloride in terms of improved urodynamic parameters; small-scale, noncomparative studies have documented significant trospium chloride-induced improvements in patients with reflex neurogenic bladder, postoperative bladder irritation and radiation-induced cystitis; and observational studies including >10,000 patients have also revealed favourable findings for trospium chloride, including a marked decrease in incontinence episodes and substantial improvement in health-related quality of life. Trospium chloride is generally well tolerated, and significantly more so than immediate-release oxybutynin. The most frequent adverse events, occurring in >1% of trospium chloride-treated patients, are dry mouth, dyspepsia, constipation, abdominal pain and nausea. Available for many years in several countries outside North America, trospium chloride is likely to develop an important role in the management of overactive bladder following its approval in the US on 28 May 2004.

Effect of trospium chloride on somnolence and sleepiness in patients with overactive bladder

An objective of a large US phase-3 study was to determine the effects of trospium chloride 20-mg tablets versus placebo, administered twice daily, on central nervous system (CNS) adverse events (eg, somnolence) and on daytime sleepiness using the validated Stanford Sleepiness Scale. The impact of age groups also was assessed. Trospium chloride did not increase daytime sleepiness or appear to produce CNS adverse effects, as measured by the Stanford Sleepiness Scale and the incidence of CNS adverse events. Furthermore, there was no difference in these findings across age groups.

Elevating our therapeutic expectations in overactive bladder

Drug therapy for overactive bladder (OAB) most commonly includes antimuscarinic agents, which work by relaxing bladder smooth muscle through inhibition of acetylcholine receptors in the bladder. The major adverse effects with existing antimuscarinic agents are anticholinergic in nature (e.g., dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision). Oxybutynin and tolterodine have been used for several years for treatment of OAB; both are available in immediate- and extended-release formulations. Fewer or less severe adverse effects are reported with the extended- versus the immediate-release formulations, with little or no difference in efficacy. Oxybutynin is also available as a transdermal patch. Trospium, which was recently approved for use in the United States, has efficacy and an incidence of dry mouth similar to existing agents but does not cross the blood-brain barrier. It requires twice-daily dosing. Two new antimuscarinic agents--darifenacin and solifenacin--are in development. Both show significantly better efficacy compared with placebo for key symptoms of OAB, including urgency. The incidence of dry mouth at the lowest effective dose is 19% for darifenacin and 8% and 14% for solifenacin (2 studies).

TROSPIUM CHLORIDE IMPROVES OVERACTIVE BLADDER SYMPTOMS: A MULTICENTER PHASE III TRIAL

PURPOSE

Trospium chloride is an anticholinergic agent with predominantly peripheral nonselective antimuscarinic activity lacking central nervous system effects. It has no known drug-drug interactions, an advantage for patients taking many medications. Because these qualities may provide added benefit when treating patients with symptoms associated with overactive bladder (OAB) and urge incontinence, we studied the effectiveness of trospium in treating these conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with OAB with urge incontinence were randomized 1:1 to 20 mg trospium twice daily or placebo in this 12-week, multicenter, parallel, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Dual primary end points were change in average number of toilet voids and change in urge incontinent episodes per 24 hours. Secondary efficacy variables were change in average of volume per void, voiding urge severity, urinations during day and night, time to onset of action and change in Incontinence Impact Questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 523 patients were entered at 51 sites. Trospium significantly decreased average frequency of toilet voids and urge incontinent episodes compared to placebo. It significantly increased average volume per void, and decreased average urge severity and daytime frequency. All effects occurred by week 1 and all were sustained throughout the study. Nocturnal frequency decreased significantly by week 4 and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire scores improved at week 12. Trospium was well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Trospium was found to have sustained effectiveness beginning at the end of week 1 in decreasing the number of voids, urge incontinent episodes, total daily micturitions and urge severity, and in increasing volume per void. It also improved symptoms of OAB and quality of life.

[The combined treatment of interstitial cystitis in women with spasmex]

Efficiency of interstitial cystitis (IC) treatment of female outpatients is shown. Combined treatment of IC was supplemented with the drug spasmex which has a peripheral anticholinergic and direct antispastic actions. It quickly relieves irritative symptoms, improves quality of life, shortens temporary disability and lowers the cost of the treatment.

Update on overactive bladder: Pharmacologic approaches on the horizon

Limitations exist with regard to the array of available agents for the pharmacologic therapy of overactive bladder, including issues of efficacy and tolerability. It is clear that the ideal agent for this condition has not been identified. However, several new pharmacologic treatments, including some with novel approaches to drug delivery, have emerged in clinical development over the past few years. These agents include a variety of anticholinergics and others. In initial studies, some of the agents appear to compare favorably with existing therapies. Whether these promising results will hold up when subjected to large-scale, well-controlled clinical trials is unclear.

[Spasmex treatment of patients with hyperactive urinary bladder]

Overactive urinary bladder (HAUB) is encountered in 16-20% patients with various voiding disorders. Etiologically, detrusor hyperactivity can be neurogenic and idiopathic. We studied efficacy of the antimuscarine drug spasmex in patients with imperative voiding disorders and compared its efficacy and tolerance with those of driptan and detrusitol. 193 female patients with imperative voiding disorders were examined. Spasmex given in a dose of 5 mg 3 times a day for 12 weeks produced a good effect in 56 patients: increased the effective capacity of the urinary bladder, reduced the number of voidings and episodes of incontinence for a day. A 3-month course of spasmex proved highly effective as shown by the patients' subjective response and positive changes in objective evidence. Being equally effective with detrusitol and driptan, spasmex is much superior to oxibutynin in safety.

Controlled, double-blind, multicentre clinical trial to investigate long-term tolerability and efficacy of trospium chloride in patients with detrusor instability

Our objectives were to ascertain the tolerability and efficacy of trospium chloride in doses of 20 mg twice daily for long-term therapy (52 weeks) in patients with urge syndrome. The trial comprised a total of 358 patients with urge syndrome or urge incontinence. After randomisation in the ratio of 3:1, participants were treated continuously for 52 weeks with either trospium chloride (20 mg twice daily) or oxybutynin (5 mg twice daily). At intervals of 4-8 weeks, patients were physically examined with measurements of blood pressure and pulse rate, were questioned about any adverse events, checked for compliance and underwent relevant laboratory tests. As an additional safety measure, an ECG was made at 26 and 52 weeks. Urodynamic measurements were performed at the beginning, and at 26 and 52 weeks to determine the maximal cystometric bladder capacity. Among others things, the frequencies of micturition, incontinence and number of urgency events were recorded in patient diary protocols in weeks 0, 2, 26 and 52. The evaluation of vital parameters, laboratory results and ECGs did not show any relevant changes attributable to the action of the anticholinergics. Analysis of the micturition diary clearly indicated a reduction of the micturition frequency, incontinence frequency, and a reduction of the number of urgencies in both treatment groups. Mean maximum cystometric bladder capacity increased during treatment with trospium chloride by 92 ml after 26 weeks and 115 ml after 52 weeks (P=0.001). Further comparison with oxybutynin did not reveal any statistically significant differences in urodynamic variables between the drugs. Adverse events occurred in 64.8% of the patients treated with trospium chloride and 76.7% of those treated with oxybutynin. The main symptom encountered in both treatment group was dryness of the mouth. For patients on trospium chloride, the estimated risk of an unexpected adverse event was 0.027 per patient per week for all adverse events and 0.009 for dryness of the mouth, resulting in a considerably lower risk during treatment given with trospium chloride than with oxybutynin (0.045 and 0.021, respectively). An overall assessment for each of the drugs reveals a comparable efficacy level and a better benefit-risk ratio for trospium chloride than for oxybutynin due to better tolerability.

Trospium chloride--an effective drug in the treatment of overactive bladder and detrusor hyperreflexia

Trospium chloride (TCL), a quaternary ammonium derivative of nortropanol, has been evaluated in a number of clinical and pharmacological studies. Selected pharmacological and clinical pharmacokinetic data are discussed as providing a basis for a better interpretation and understanding of the clinical trial results. An overview of the results of 20 clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance studies including more than 10000 patients is presented.