The use of scopolamine in the treatment of detrusor instability.

PURPOSE

A prospective randomized double-blind study was done to evaluate the efficiency of transdermal scopolamine in the treatment of detrusor instability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 20 female patients with detrusor instability was assigned randomly into 2 groups of 10 each. The study group received 4 transdermal scopolamine dermal patches postauricularly, while in the control group placebo patches were applied. Both groups were similar regarding patient age, parity, duration of symptoms and previous anti-incontinence surgery.

RESULTS

The patients were reassessed after 14 days. Improvement in complaints of diurnal frequency (p < 0.05), nocturia (p < 0.005), urgency (p < 0.05) and urge incontinence (p < 0.05) was noted in the study group and not in the control group. A significantly (p < 0.05) less pressure increase on filling and a decreased volume at which pressure exceeded 15 cm. water (p < 0.05) were noted on cystometry in the study group only. No significant side effects were reported and no patient discontinued treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Transdermal scopolamine was effective and safe in the treatment of female patients with detrusor instability.