Clinical and urodynamic effects of propiverine in patients suffering from urgency and urge incontinence. A multicentre dose-optimizing study.

The efficacy and tolerability of propiverine hydrochloride (15, off 45, 60 mg/d) were evaluated in the treatment of 185 patients suffering from urgency/urge incontinence in an open, randomized, multicentre parallel-group trial lasting 21 days. The effects on bladder volume and pressure were assessed on the basis of urodynamics and micturition frequency. Subjective adverse reactions were recorded. The bladder capacity and compliance increased and bladder pressure decreased in a dose dependent manner following therapy with 15, 30, 45 and 60 mg/d. In 70% of the patients a decrease in micturition frequency was observed after 15 mg/d, and in 80% after 30 to 60 mg/d. Subjective anticholinergic symptoms were reported by 21, 40 and 28% of the patients following therapy with 30, 45 and 60 mg/d. 15 and 30 mg were the daily doses with the most favourable ratio of efficacy in micturition frequency to tolerability. The results suggest that propiverine is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of urgency and urge incontinence. Individual treatment with an initial dosage of 30 mg/d should be recommended.