Anticholinergics reduce symptoms of overactive bladder

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Anticholinergics reduce symptoms of overactive bladder

J Fam Pract. 2003 September;52(9):664-688

By

Sharon See, PharmD

Kamini Geer, MD

BACKGROUND: Clinicians often use anticholinergic agents as the drugs of choice for overactive bladder. However, there is no consensus regarding the efficacy of these drugs in reducing the symptoms of overactive bladder.
POPULATION STUDIED: Over 6800 patients were enrolled in 32 randomized controlled trials. Most patients were randomized to receive either an anticholinergic or placebo. The trials had variable inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as demographic data. Trial results not in English were translated.
STUDY DESIGN AND VALIDITY: The researchers performed a meta-analysis of the data from 32 placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trials identified in the Cochrane Incontinence Database. These trials compared the effectiveness of anticholinergic medicines (tolterodine, oxybutynin, trospium chloride, propiverine, emepronium bromide, and propantheline) and placebo in treating overactive bladder in men and women.
OUTCOMES MEASURED: Primary outcomes were number of leakages, number of voids, and the patients’ perception of improvement or cure of their symptoms. Secondary outcomes were volume at first contraction, maximum cystometric capacity, residual volume, and adverse events.
RESULTS: Treatment decreased episodes of leakage by 1 episode every 2 days and decreased the number of micturitions by 1 every 2 days. Subjects taking anticholinergics also reported fewer subjective symptoms of overactive bladder (relative risk [RR]=1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29–1.54). The subjects who received anticholinergics improved maximum cystometric capacity.

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Anticholinergics reduce symptoms of overactive bladder

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