title: Delivery methods for drugs used in the treatment of overactive bladder.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Overactive bladder affects a significant portion of the population and results in prescribing of numerous medications for its treatment. Traditional drug delivery systems used in therapy are associated with multiple commonly reported side effects. Adherence rates with use of these medications are low. It is likely that low adherence rates with the use of these drugs are due in some part to drug side effects. It is therefore important that alternate methods for drug delivery be explored to reduce side effect profiles and improve patient compliance.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article addresses the various forms of drug delivery for overactive bladder medications, focusing on those currently in use. Newer systems of drug delivery are also discussed. Through thorough review of research data, randomized trials and meta analyses, drug delivery systems were evaluated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EXPERT OPINION favors the use of the transdermal patch and recognizes the necessity for further research and development of other delivery methods. The patch delivery method offers the most effective means of treating symptoms and minimizing drug related adverse side effects leading to treatment discontinuation. Development of OAB medications aimed at alternate receptor targets has the potential to facilitate the creation of new treatment methods to compete with the current standard of care used in OAB treatment.
authors.affiliation: a School of Medicine , The University of Kansas , Kansas City , KS , USA.
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.affiliation: b Department of Urology , Vanderbilt University , Nashville , TN , USA.
authors.forename: Roger R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Dmochowski
authors.affiliation: c Department of Urology , The University of Kansas , Kansas City , KS , USA.
authors.forename: Priya
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Padmanabhan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D057968:Transdermal Patch; D053201:Urinary Bladder, Overactive / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations
keywords: Anti-cholinergics; overactive bladder; urge incontinence; urgency