Efficacy and tolerability of fesoterodine in older and younger subjects with overactive bladder

Objectives To assess the effect of age on fesoterodine efficacy and tolerability in subjects with an overactive bladder. Methods The data from 2 randomized, 12-week studies of 1681 subjects treated with fesoterodine 4 or 8 mg or placebo were pooled and stratified by age. The subjects completed 3-day bladder diaries at baseline and weeks 2 and 12, the King's Health Questionnaire at baseline and week 12, and the Treatment Benefit Scale at week 12. Results Of the subjects aged <65 years, fesoterodine 4 and 8 mg was associated with statistically significant improvements in the diary variables at week 12 versus placebo. Greater improvement in urgency urinary incontinence was seen with fesoterodine 8 mg versus 4 mg. For those aged <65 to <75 years, fesoterodine 4 and 8 mg significantly improved all diary variables, except for the mean voided volume and micturition frequency versus placebo. In subjects aged <75 years, fesoterodine 8 mg significantly improved all diary variables, except for mean voided volume, versus placebo. No significant improvements were observed with fesoterodine 4 mg versus placebo. Fesoterodine significantly improved several King's Health Questionnaire domains versus placebo in all age groups. Fesoterodine 4 mg did not significantly improve any domains in subjects aged <75 years. In all age groups, the treatment response rates were significantly greater with both fesoterodine doses versus placebo. Dry mouth and constipation occurred more frequently in subjects aged <75 years receiving fesoterodine 8 mg than in those receiving fesoterodine 4 mg or placebo, although the discontinuation rates because of dry mouth and constipation were not increased. Conclusions Fesoterodine 4 and 8 mg effectively treated overactive bladder symptoms in subjects aged <75 years. Fesoterodine 8 mg was effective in subjects aged <75 years.