A new once-daily formulation of tolterodine provides superior efficacy and is well tolerated in women with overactive bladder

This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of new extended-release (ER) tolterodine for the treatment of overactive bladder in women. In this subpopulation analysis of a double-blind multicenter trial, 1235 female patients were randomized to oral therapy with tolterodine ER 4 mg once daily (n = 417), tolterodine IR 2 mg twice daily (n = 408) or placebo (n = 410) for 12 weeks. Both formulations reduced the mean number of urge incontinence episodes per week (both P = 0.001 vs placebo); tolterodine ER was more effective than tolterodine IR (P = 0.036). Both formulations significantly improved all other micturition chart variables compared to placebo. Dry mouth was the most common adverse event. There were no safety concerns. Toltrodine ER 4 mg once daily is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of women with overactive bladder, and reduces urge incontinence episodes more than the existing IR twice-daily formulation.