Norfenefrine in the treatment of female stress incontinence. A double-blind controlled trial.

Forty-four consecutive patients with genuine stress incontinence were treated with norfenefrine 15-30 mg t.i.d. in a 6-week, double-blind and parallel, placebo-controlled study. Subjectively, 52% were improved and 26% became continent during norfenefrine treatment. Objectively (stress test), 30% became continent and the maximum urethral closure pressure increased 10% which was statistically significant. These results, however, were not statistically different from those of placebo treatment. Simultaneously, subjective and objective improvement was seen more often in patients given norfenefrine compared to placebo (p less than 0.1). In patients with most severe incontinence according to urodynamic criteria the effect of norfenefrine was statistically significantly better than placebo. A low incidence of side effects was observed and no differences between norfenefrine and placebo were found. It is concluded that norfenefrine may be of value in the treatment of female stress incontinence.