Mirabegron: a Beta-3 agonist for overactive bladder.

To review the literature regarding the efficacy and safety of mirabegron for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). A literature search was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed) prior to December 31, 2013, using the terms "mirabegron" and "randomized-controlled trial." All published, double-blind, randomized-controlled trials assessing mirabegron were included. Articles were reviewed and included if mirabegron was used as monotherapy and if the primary outcome analyzed drug efficacy. The efficacy of mirabegron for the treatment of OAB has been demonstrated in the selected five randomized, placebo-controlled trials. The majority of these trials lasted 12 weeks and compared various doses of mirabegron with placebo and/or tolterodine extended-release (ER). Primary efficacy outcomes for the trials included mean number of micturitions per 24 hours and mean number of incontinence episodes per 24 hours. Included trials showed statistically significant reductions in both efficacy outcomes for various doses of mirabegron when compared with placebo. Based on the trials reviewed, mirabegron has been efficacious in reducing mean number of micturitions and incontinence episodes per 24 hours, as well as in improving other secondary outcomes such as OAB symptoms and quality-of-life measures. Common adverse drug events seen with mirabegron include: hypertension, nasopharyngitis, urinary tract infections, headache, constipation, upper respiratory tract infection, arthralgia, diarrhea, tachycardia, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Given the efficacy and safety data currently available, mirabegron represents a reasonable alternative to antimuscarinics for patients with OAB. Future studies are needed to determine the utility of mirabegron for OAB in a variety of demographics.