Pharmacological agents used for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women.
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the involuntary loss of urine associated with physical activities such as running, jumping, or lifting, or with sneezing and coughing. For many patients it can be a very bothersome symptom, causing social isolation, loss of self-esteem, and increased expenses. Although there is currently no single medication approved worldwide for the treatment of SUI, a variety of off-label agents are often prescribed. This paper reviews the current pharmacological treatment options for SUI, describing the mechanism of action, efficacy, and possible adverse effects of each. A new centrally-acting compound with dual activity as a balanced serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, duloxetine, may offer a promising new approach for treatment.
Viktrup
Lars
L
Lilly Research Laboratories, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Viktrup_lars@lilly.com
Bump
Richard C
RC
D000322:Adrenergic Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018674:Adrenergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068736:Duloxetine Hydrochloride; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013876:Thiophenes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000322:Adrenergic Agonists; D018674:Adrenergic Antagonists; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D000068736:Duloxetine Hydrochloride; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D013876:Thiophenes