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Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports
Published in: Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports 4/2019

01-12-2019 | Overactive Bladder | Pharmacotherapies and Drug Development/Agents (ES Rovner, Section Editor)

Advances in Pharmacotherapy for the Treatment of Overactive Bladder

Authors: Caitlyn E. Painter, Anne M. Suskind

Published in: Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports | Issue 4/2019

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To present the current literature on the pharmacologic management of overactive bladder, including combination therapies, agents still in clinical development, and special considerations related to individuals with cognitive decline, frailty and cardiovascular risk.

Recent Findings

Combination therapy is shown to be more effective than monotherapy, without additional side effects. Preliminary studies on novel treatment methods, including new medications, as well as novel use of established medications, demonstrate improved efficacy with a favorable side effect profile. Investigation into new target pathways may be an area for future pharmacologic development. Special consideration should be given when prescribing anti-muscarinic medication in the frail adult population. Overactive bladder has been associated with frailty and anti-muscarinic medications have been associated with the worsening cognitive decline.

Summary

Combination therapy is a safe and effective alternative to patients with refractory overactive bladder. Caution should be taken in prescribing medications for the frail older adult, and alternative first- and third-line treatments should be considered. Future studies should involve long-term data on safety and outcomes stratified by age with objective measurements of cognition and frailty.
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Metadata
Title
Advances in Pharmacotherapy for the Treatment of Overactive Bladder
Authors
Caitlyn E. Painter
Anne M. Suskind
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports / Issue 4/2019
Print ISSN: 1931-7212
Electronic ISSN: 1931-7220
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-019-00562-3

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