[Clinical and urodynamic effects of oral propiverine therapy in neurogenic urinary incontinence. A multicenter study for optimizing dosage].

The efficacy and tolerability of propiverine hydrochloride (in doses of 15, 30, 45 and 60 mg/day) were evaluated in the treatment of 66 patients suffering from neurogenic incontinence for 21 days in an open, randomized, multicentre, parallel-group trial. Evaluation of efficacy was based on changes in cystometry, flow measurements and micturition and that of safety on adverse reactions and blood chemistry. The bladder volume increased and bladder pressure decreased dose dependently; the ratio of the two increased by 0.6, 3.3, 3.8 and 8.1 ml/cm H2O after 15, 30, 45 and 60 mg/day respectively. Some 54% of patients had a decreased micturition frequency after 15 mg/day and about 80% after 30-60 mg/day. At the same time, 8, 35, 12 and 42% of patients had subjective anticholinergic symptoms after therapy with 15, 30, 45 and 60 mg/day, respectively. The results suggest that propiverine is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of neurogenic incontinence. A daily dose of 30 mg propiverine is recommended; individual adjustment of the maintenance dose to 15 or 45 mg/day may be necessary.