Pharmacological management of overactive bladder syndrome

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a syndrome which affects around 12% of men and women, with incidence increasing with age around 70-80% of people are affected by the age of 80 (1). Patients’ with OAB present with symptoms of urgency, increased daytime frequency and nocturia (2). Around 33% of people with OAB will exhibit urinary incontinence, which affects women more than men. OAB has a significant negative effect on patient’s quality of life and can lead to social isolation and depression (3 and 1). Overactive bladder syndrome with urge incontinence is associated with early institutionalisation, financial cost and increased morbidity and mortality (4)