Idiopathic bladder hyperactivity and ditropan: an efficacy and compliance issue

Abstract

Objective: To assess the compliance and effectiveness of oxybutynin chloride in treating idiopathic bladder hyperactivity.Methods: A retrospective analysis of 34 patients seen in our urogynecology clinic over a period of 18 months was conducted. In all patients, the diagnosis of idiopathic hyperactive bladder was made by multichannel urodynamics. The charts were reviewed with an emphasis on compliance and subjective improvement of symptoms.Results: Of 34 patients, 12 were lost to follow-up and were excluded from the study. The compliance of the remaining 22 patients was evaluated at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year. At 3 months follow-up, the rate of compliance was 20/22 (91%); 6 months, 12/22 (55%); 9 months, 7/22 (32%); and at 1 year, 4/22 (18%). Side effects of the medication are the most common patient complaint and reason for discontinuation of the medication. Complete subjective improvement was observed in 12/22 (55%) patients, partial improvement in 6/22 (27%) patients, and no improvement in 2/22 (9%) of patients. Two patients were noncompliant.Conclusions: Our study suggests a higher compliance initially; however, over a period of time, there is a dramatic decline in continuation of use. The benefits of oxybutynin chloride seem to be offset by its side effects.