Pharmacological management of detrusor instability

Urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract dysfunction remain an importan t cause of morbidity, affecting at least 14% of women over the age of 30 ye ars. Whilst the etiology and pathophysiology of detrusor instability remain s to be elucidated drug therapy remains important in the management of wome n with the irritative symptoms of urgency, frequency and urge incontinence. The number of drugs which have been developed illustrates the point that n one are ideal, often having systemic adverse effects limiting their therape utic usage and affecting compliance. This review aims to assess the current pharmacological management of detrusor instability as well as examining re cent progress in the development of new agents, some of which may prove to be efficacious.