Pharmacologic treatment of stress urinary incontinence: expectations for outcome.

Several classes of drugs have been investigated for their efficacy in treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Despite targeting the mechanisms known to be involved in maintaining continence, few have provided the desired benefits without causing significant adverse effects. Duloxetine, the newest drug to be extensively evaluated for SUI treatment, appears to be both safe and effective. None of the drugs tested thus far has proved to be curative, however. Treatment strategies therefore are aimed at improving the quality of life of patients and should take into account their individual needs and preferences.