Pharmacologic Management of Overactive Bladder and Urge Incontinence: A Review of New and Old Treatment Options

Overactive bladder, particularly when accompanied by urinary incontinence, is a medical condition that affects a significant number of patients and drastically impacts quality of life. In the United States alone, the prevalence of overactive bladder with or without urge incontinence is 16.0% in men and 16.9% in women [1]. Unfortunately, many of the current mainstays of therapy come with side effects and interactions that are especially challenging in the patient population in which prevalence of incontinence is highest. Drugs with alternative mechanisms of action have recently been under development, providing well-tolerated options for longterm management. Here, we will review the most commonly used medications to treat overactive bladder, as well as newer options that have become available.