Terodiline. A review of its pharmacological properties, and therapeutic use in the treatment of urinary incontinence

Terodiline has both anticholinergic and calcium antagonist properties and, as a result, effectively reduces abnormal bladder contractions caused by detrusor instability. When administered to adult patients with urge incontinence (generally as a 25mg twice-daily dose) terodiline reduces diurnal and nocturnal micturition frequency and incontinence episodes. In studies also assessing cystometric parameters, bladder volume at first urge and bladder capacity are increased. Children with diurnal enuresis respond similarly to a daily 25mg dose. Several studies have shown that terodiline 50 mg/day is preferred by patients when compared with emepronium 600 mg/day or flavoxate 600 mg/day, and tends to reduce voluntary micturition frequency and episodes of incontinence more effectively than these drugs. Terodiline is well tolerated in short and long term (up to 3.5 years) studies. Anticholinergic effects are most commonly reported; other adverse effects occur equally during terodiline and placebo treatment. Thus, terodiline is effective and well tolerated in patients with urge incontinence or neurogenic bladder dysfunction, and will claim an important place in the treatment of such patients in LIGHT of the limitations of alternative therapies.