Darifenacin for the treatment of overactive bladder

textabstractDarifenacin hydrobromide is a muscarinic receptor antagonist for once-daily treatment of overactive bladder (urinary urgency with or without urge incontinence, which may be associated with increased frequency of voiding and nocturia). Consistent with its high affinity for muscarinic M3 receptors and low affinity for M1 and M2 receptors, darifenacin reduces the unwanted effects of nonselective antimuscarinic compounds. Darifenacin requires no metabolism to become active; its elimination half-life with oral, prolonged-release formulations is 6.7-18.5 h and it is metabolized by the liver. The recommended starting dose of once-daily, oral, prolonged-release darifenacin is 7.5 mg, and peak plasma levels are reached approximately 5.5-11.5 h after ingestion. Darifenacin is generally safe, with a tolerability profile (in terms of discontinuation rates due to adverse events) that is similar to placebo and a favorable dosing schedule, which together may improve convenience and, potentially, patient compliance