Tolterodine for the treatment of overactive bladder

Background: The overactive bladder syndrome is a common condition affecting similar to 12% of men and women. It is extremely disturbing with a great impact on quality of life. Its treatment involves a combination of behavioural and pharmacological therapy. The latter includes antimuscarinic drugs such as tolterodine. Objective: To review the safety and efficacy of tolterodine in the treatment of overactive bladder in comparison with other available antimuscarinic agents. Methods: A Pubmed search was carried out differentiating randomised, clinical trials; longitudinal, retrospective studies; and metanalysis on the use of tolterodine for overactive bladder treatment. In the comparison with other antimuscarinic agents, only randomised, clinical trials were considered. Results/conclusion: Tolterodine is available as immediate- or extended-release formulations. It has been extensively evaluated with long-term, randomised trials for safety and efficacy showing a significant improvement in overactive bladder symptoms with an excellent tolerability profile.