Emepronium carrageenate: clinical effects and urinary excretion in treatment of female urge incontinence

Abstract

Eighteen women (median age 54 years, 36-79) with urinary motor urge (n = 13) or sensory urge (n = 5) incontinence were treated for three 2-week periods with emepronium carrageenate (EC) (Cetiprin Novum) in daily doses of 500 and 1000 mg and placebo. Subjectively the women experienced an increased ability to control micturition, i.e. less urge, during EC treatment. Only mild and mainly anticholinergic side effects were recorded, most frequently dryness of the mouth. As regards side effects, the evaluation of objective effects were complicated by a tendency towards carry-over effect to placebo. Placebo in the first treatment periods were analysed solely; no effects of placebo could be demonstrated. Compared with the reference period, decreases in the total number of micturitions (approx. 20%) and in the number of urge incontinence episodes (approx. 75%) were seen. As compared with placebo, a significant increase (approx. 25%) in the average micturition volume could be demonstrated. The percentage urinary excretion of emepronium decreased with increasing oral intake and with advancing age. Probably, an initial daily dosage of 500 mg EC will do well in younger women (less than 50 years), whereas elder patients may need 1000 mg. Further dosage recommendations are given.