Oral anticholinergic drugs versus placebo or no treatment for managing overactive bladder syndrome in adults
Rada Rios D., Deeks J.J., Omar M.I., et al.
Published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Abstract
Around 16% of adults have symptoms of overactive bladder. This Cochrane review assessed the effects of anticholinergic drugs compared with placebo or no treatment for managing OAB symptoms in adults.
Methodology
Searched Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE for randomized trials comparing anticholinergic drugs to placebo in adults with OAB; used GRADE.
Key Findings
Anticholinergic drugs modestly improve OAB symptoms (fewer voids and urgency episodes per 24 hours) compared with placebo, but are associated with higher rates of dry mouth and other anticholinergic side effects.
Conclusions
Anticholinergics are effective for reducing OAB symptoms compared with placebo, but the benefit is modest and must be weighed against bothersome adverse effects.
Limitations
High heterogeneity, variable outcome reporting, short trial durations, industry funding of many included trials, sparse long-term safety data.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
Disclosures
Funding
Cochrane infrastructure funding; NIHR (UK)
Conflicts of Interest
Review authors declared no financial conflicts; underlying primary trials frequently industry-funded
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