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.