Tolterodine extended-release for overactive bladder

Abstract

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common problem. Affected individuals suffer decreased quality of life and productivity. The mainstay of pharmacological treatment of OAB is antimuscarinic agents. Tolterodine was the first antimuscarinic drug designed specifically for treating OAB. Compared with the immediate-release (IR) drug, once-daily tolterodine extended-release (ER) releases the drug in a steady but constant manner lowering peak and trough drug levels. This translates to more constant serum concentrations and theoretically better patient tolerability. The dry mouth rate for the ER formulation has been reported to be lower than for the IR formulation. Recent literature strongly supports the efficacy and safety of tolterodine ER in carefully selected older men with OAB symptoms. Tolterodine ER is well tolerated and withdrawal rates are similar to those in placebo. Fesoterodine is a new antimuscarinic that shares the same active metabolite as tolterodine and may provide less pharmacokinetic variability. We support tolterodine ER for treating for OAB. It has proven efficacy and tolerability.