Intravesical neuromodulatory drugs: capsaicin and resiniferatoxin to treat the overactive bladder

Current pharmacologic treatment of the overactive bladder relies on anticholinergic drugs. However, these drugs often have troublesome side effects and frequently are given in doses insufficient to restore continence in patients with detrusor instability. We present the background and basic and clinical research dealing with intravesical instillation of capsaicin and resinfferatoxin as treatments for the overactive bladder. Capsaicin is the main pungent ingredient in "hot" peppers of the genus Capsicum. It is a specific neurotoxin that desensitizes C-fiber afferent neurons, which may be responsible for the signals that trigger detrusor overactivity. Studies with capsaicin over the past 8 years have demonstrated clinical efficacy with minimal long-term complications. Most of these studies have also shown that the acute pain and irritation associated with capsaicin are a major deterrent to widespread use. Resiniferatoxin (RTX), an ultrapotent analog of capsaicin that appears to have similar efficacy but with much less acute side effects may be more useful. Intravesical instillation of capsaicin or resiniferatoxin is a promising treatment for the overactive bladder.