Pharmacological management: Overactive bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a syndrome which affects around 12 per cent of men and women, and incidence increases with age so that by the age of 80 around 70 to 80 per cent of people are affected.¹ Patients with OAB present with symptoms of urgency, increased daytime frequency and nocturia.² Around 33 per cent of people with OAB will exhibit urinary incontinence, which affects women more than men.

Overactive bladder has a significant negative effect on patients' quality of life and can lead to social isolation and depression.^1,3 Overactive bladder syndrome with urge incontinence is associated with early institutionalisation, financial cost and increased morbidity and mortality. ⁴