Long-term data show agent to be effective, well tolerated in OAB patients

Extended-release tolterodine tartrate (Detrol LA) significantly reduces symptoms of overactive bladder with a low occurrence of side effects, according to results of a study published in Drug Safety (2004; 27:1043-57).

The meta-analysis reviewed clinical trial and post-marketing surveillance data collected from Jan. 1, 1997 to March 2003, in the 100 countries where the drug had been approved for use. Tolterodine significantly reduced OAB symptoms, such as frequency, urgency, and number of episodes of urge incontinence, in 26 clinical trials. The number of incontinence episodes was cut by almost one-half, and incontinence pad usage was decreased by more than one-third in the two largest trials.

"This 6-year review is good news for people with OAB because it shows that Detrol LA can significantly reduce symptoms with a low frequency of side effects," said lead author Alan D. Garely, MD, of Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY. "This may contribute to greater patient satisfaction with treatment, resulting in patients staying on treatment longer."

Dry mouth was the most commonly reported adverse event associated with drug treatment, and most cases were mild to moderate, Dr. Garely said. Constipation was reported by 2% to 7% of patients receiving tolterodine, compared with 4% of placebo recipients.