Efficacy, tolerability and safety profile of propiverine in the treatment of the overactive bladder (non-neurogenic and neurogenic)

Propiverine hydrochloride (propiverine) is a compound that has neurotropic and musculotropic effects on the urinary bladder smooth muscle. Controlled clinical trials have shown its effectiveness in treating detrusor hyperreflexia and in treating patients with symptoms of an overactive bladder; this is true not only for adults but in children and the elderly as well. European and Japanese studies have also documented that propiverine is well tolerated. It is better tolerated than oxybutynin (particularly in regard to frequency and severity of dryness of the mouth). In several Japanese studies authors demonstrated that propiverine is well tolerated on a long-term basis. Voigt reported an adverse event incidence rate of 13% in a follow-up investigation during 10 years of treatment. A post-marketing drug surveillance consisting of 4390 patients provided additional data concerning efficacy and safety of propiverine. It is one of the few drugs recommended for the treatment of detrusor overactivity by the Committee on Pharmacological Treatment during the First International Consultation on Incontinence.