Identify two pharmacologic classes for overactive bladder and provide an example for each.

Identify two pharmacologic classes for overactive bladder and provide an example for each.

• A. Antimuscarinics (oxybutynin) and beta-3 adrenergic agonists (mirabegron)
• B. Beta-blockers and diuretics
• C. Alpha-adrenergic agonists and diuretics
• D. Tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs

Answer: (A)

Overactive bladder is treated by targeting the detrusor muscle to reduce involuntary contractions and increase storage capacity. Two main pharmacologic approaches are used. First, antimuscarinics block muscarinic receptors on the detrusor muscle, especially M3, which decreases spontaneous contractions and helps with urgency and frequency. An example is oxybutynin. Second, beta-3 adrenergic agonists activate beta-3 receptors in the detrusor, relaxing the muscle during filling and increasing bladder capacity; mirabegron is an example. These two options work by different mechanisms but both aim to calm detrusor overactivity. Other drug classes listed don’t target the bladder in the same way for overactive bladder, so they aren’t standard treatments for this condition.

Overactive bladder is treated by targeting the detrusor muscle to reduce involuntary contractions and increase storage capacity. Two main pharmacologic approaches are used. First, antimuscarinics block muscarinic receptors on the detrusor muscle, especially M3, which decreases spontaneous contractions and helps with urgency and frequency. An example is oxybutynin. Second, beta-3 adrenergic agonists activate beta-3 receptors in the detrusor, relaxing the muscle during filling and increasing bladder capacity; mirabegron is an example. These two options work by different mechanisms but both aim to calm detrusor overactivity. Other drug classes listed don’t target the bladder in the same way for overactive bladder, so they aren’t standard treatments for this condition.