The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:1:9-14
doi: 10.1576/toag.9.1.009.27290
Copyright © 2007 by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Anticholinergic drugs for overactive bladder: a review of the literature and practical guide
Nalini Munjuluri, MRCOG, Specialist Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology1,
William Wong, M Pharm MRPharm, Senior Medical Informations Pharmacist2 and
Wai Yoong, MD MRCOG, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology3
1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology North Middlesex University Hospital London N18 1QX
2. North Middlesex University Hospital London N18 1QX
3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology North Middlesex University Hospital London N18 1QX Email: wai.yoong{at}nmh.nhs.uk (Corresponding author)
Key content:
- Overactive bladder syndrome is a highly prevalent symptom complex that can be extremely distressing to women.
- It is associated with co-morbidities and reduced quality of life.
- Treatment involves behavioural therapy, physiotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
- There is robust and convincing evidence that anticholinergic agents are effective drug treatments.
- Possible adverse effects include disruption of cognitive function, dry mouth, constipation and blurred vision.
Learning objectives:
- To know about the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anticholinergic medications.
- To be able to prescribe them appropriately.
- To know about the differences in effectiveness between the newer anticholinergic drugs.
Ethical issues:
- How much information should women be given about possible adverse effects?
Please cite this article as: Munjuluri N, Wong W, Yoong W. Anticholinergic drugs for overactive bladder: a review of the literature and practical guide. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:9–14.
Keywords anticholinergic / antimuscarinic / overactive bladder / urge incontinence
Copyright © 2007 by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
