Abstract

Solifenacin: a novel drug licensed for the treatment of overactive bladder and detrusor overactivity

Author(s): Jean-Jacques Wyndaele

Overactive bladder is a prevalent and debilitating condition that affects many people. Drugs play a major role in treatment, together with bladder training and behavioral measures. Drugs are aimed at controlling the symptoms of overactive bladder, such as frequency, nocturia, urgency and urgency incontinence, preferably with as few side effects as possible. Solifenacin is a novel muscarinic receptor antagonist. It shows greater selectivity for the urinary bladder over salivary glands than tolterodine, oxybutinin and darifenacin. Solifenacin is long acting and therefore oral intake once-daily is sufficient. It can improve all symptoms of overactive bladder and results can be seen early into the treatment course. Dose adjustment is possible if needed. Long-term efficacy has been demonstrated.