overactive bladder

Treatments for

• Oxybutynin and tolterodine (all forms) have not been tested in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) beyond 12 weeks nor in elderly patients or those with serious co-morbidities.

• Oral anticholinergic formulations and regimens are equivalent in benefit; evidence for transdermal oxybutynin is less clear.

• Symptomatic benefit occurs in 60% of people with OAB treated with an anticholinergic drug versus 45% of people treated with placebo, ARR 15%, NNT 6 to 7.

• Anticholinergic side effects, particularly dry mouth, are frequent: ARI 22%, NNH 4 to 5.

• The benefit of anticholinergic drugs (0.6 less leakage episodes per day) must be weighed against the harm (3% of patients treated for 12 weeks experienced a serious adverse event).