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01-10-2011

Antimuscarinic Drugs: Review of the Cognitive Impact When Used to Treat Overactive Bladder in Elderly Patients

Authors: Dustin Pagoria, R. Corey O’Connor, Michael L. Guralnick

Published in: Current Urology Reports | Issue 5/2011

Abstract

The blockade of muscarinic receptors in the management of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms provides beneficial as well as adverse effects. The cognitive changes observed are caused by the drugs’ ability to cross the blood–brain barrier and bind to muscarinic receptors within the central nervous system (CNS). To date, while not specifically testing for CNS side effects, most of the controlled efficacy trials of multiple OAB medications have not shown significant adverse effects on cognitive function. However, elderly individuals, in whom OAB is more prevalent, often are excluded from these studies. The few trials that have performed cognitive testing in healthy elderly people taking antimuscarinics have clearly shown that oxybutynin can adversely affect cognition. Darifenacin, trospium, solifenacin, and tolterodine appear to have little to no risk of causing CNS side effects in this population. However, caution needs to be used in elderly patients with preexisting dementia.

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Title: Antimuscarinic Drugs: Review of the Cognitive Impact When Used to Treat Overactive Bladder in Elderly Patients
Authors: Dustin Pagoria
R. Corey O’Connor
Michael L. Guralnick
Publication date: 01-10-2011
Publisher: Current Science Inc.
Published in: Current Urology Reports / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 1527-2737
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-011-0198-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Antimuscarinic Drugs: Review of the Cognitive Impact When Used to Treat Overactive Bladder in Elderly Patients

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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