Tolterodine Use for Symptoms of Overactive Bladder

Clinical studies have shown that the effectiveness of tolterodine for symptoms of overactive bladder is similar to that of oxybutynin. The adverse effect profiles of tolterodine and oxybutynin are similar; however, comparative clinical trials have shown significantly fewer patients taking tolterodine require dosage reductions or discontinue therapy due to antimuscarinic adverse effects such as dry mouth. Although more costly than oxybutynin, tolterodine represents a modest improvement over oxybutynin with respect to adverse effect profile, which may allow more patients with incontinence to tolerate therapeutic doses. Further research is necessary to determine whether tolterodine has clinical advantages over similar agents in patients with other muscarinic adverse effects, such as constipation or cognitive impairment.