Propiverine versus tolterodine: efficacy and tolerability in patients with overactive bladder

Propiverine and tolterodine were compared with respect to efficacy, tolerability and impact on the quality of life in the treatment of patients with idiopathic detrusor overactivity.

In a randomised, double-blind, multicentre clinical trial, patients with idiopathic detrusor overactivity were treated with 15 mg propiverine twice daily or 2mg tolterodine twice daily over a period of 28 days. The maximum cystometric capacity was determined at baseline and after 4 weeks of therapy. The difference of both values was used as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints were voided volume per micturition, evaluation of efficacy (by the investigator), tolerability, post void residual urine, and quality of life.

The mean maximum cystometric capacity increased significantly (p < 0.01) in both groups. The volume at first urge and the frequency/volume chart parameters also showed relevant improvements during treatment. 42/100 patients in the propiverine group and 43/102 in the tolterodine group experienced adverse events. The most common adverse event, dry mouth, occurred in 20 patients in the propiverine group and in 19 patients in the tolterodine group. The scores for the quality of life improved comparably in both groups.

The study demonstrates comparable efficacy, tolerability, and improvement in the quality of life of 15 mg propiverine twice-daily and 2mg tolterodine twice-daily in the treatment of the symptoms of idiopathic detrusor overactivity.