Duloxetine in the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence

Abstract

Objective:

To review the available literature regarding the use of duloxetine in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

Data Sources:

Clinical trials were obtained through a PubMed search (1966–December 2004) with the key words duloxetine, urinary incontinence, and stress.

Data Synthesis:

This article analyzes 5 clinical studies comparing duloxetine with placebo. The randomized, double-blind, multicenter trials were performed in the US and throughout the world and had strict inclusion criteria to enroll only patients with confirmed stess urinary incontinence. All trials showed a statistically significant decrease in incontinence episode frequency of 50–60% for duloxetine compared with a placebo response of 27–40%.

Conclusions:

Duloxetine appears to be an effective treatment for stress urinary incontinence. Additional trials comparing duloxetine with pelvic floor muscle training would better define duloxetine's place in therapy.