Pharmacotherapy in obstructive sleep apnoea: a clinical guide.

PURPOSE: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a common, yet underdiagnosed disorder, with significant health implications. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the reference standard and first-line therapy. However, successful CPAP usage is influenced by factors such as access, cost, tolerance, patient education, early troubleshooting, and long-term adherence, all of which can be challenging and resource-demanding. Adding therapeutic options to the armamentarium is therefore welcome. There is a need for clinicians to be abreast of all the available therapeutic options for treatment of OSA.

METHODS: We conducted an extensive literature review of the published studies that were conducted using non-CPAP pharmacotherapeutic modalities for OSA.

RESULTS: This narrative review summarises the current landscape of OSA pharmacotherapy, focusing on mechanisms of action, clinical trial evidence, and endotype-based selection strategies. Emerging therapies such as the atomoxetine-oxybutynin combination and topiramate show promise in reducing severity of OSA, and improving sleep quality. GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide and tirzepatide offer benefits beyond reducing the severity of OSA. Other agents such as sulthiame, solriamfetol, and pitolisant have also demonstrated efficacy. Wake-promoting agents like modafinil and armodafinil target the commonest symptom of OSA, sleepiness.

CONCLUSIONS: This review provides a practical, endotype-aligned summary of pharmacologic options for the management of OSA.