An overview on mixed action drugs for the treatment of overactive bladder and detrusor overactivity.

OBJECTIVES To provide an overview on the efficacy, tolerability, safety and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of drugs with a mixed action used in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION MEDLINE database and abstract books of the major conferences were searched for relevant publications from 1966 to 2011 and using the key words 'overactive bladder', 'detrusor overactivity', 'oxybutynin', 'propiverine', and 'flavoxate'. Two independent reviewers considered publications for inclusion and extracted relevant data, without performing a meta-analysis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Old and conflicting data do not support the use of flavoxate, while both propiverine and oxybutynin were found to be more effective than placebo in the treatment of OAB. Propiverine was at least as effective as oxybutynin but with a better tolerability profile even in the pediatric setting. Overall, no serious adverse event for any product was statistically significant compared to placebo. Improvements were seen in HRQoL with treatment by the oxybutynin transdermal delivery system and propiverine extended release. CONCLUSIONS While there is no evidence to suggest the use of flavoxate in the treatment of OAB, both oxybutynin and propiverine appear efficacious and safe. Propiverine shows a better tolerability profile than oxybutynin. Both drugs improve HRQoL of patients affected by OAB. Profiles of each drug and dosage differ and should be considered in making treatment choices.