In a nutshell
This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of diclofenac for the treatment of nocturia. The study concluded that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac can improve nocturia symptoms.
Some background
Despite being a common condition, there is still no definitive treatment to relieve nocturia. Most therapies currently used aim at treating some underlying condition rather than nocturia itself. Some researchers have suggested that irritation and inflammation of the bladder might contribute to urinary symptoms such as nocturia. Diclofenac is a type of NSAID commonly sold to relieve inflammation and pain.
Methods & findings
This study investigated the effect of diclofenac on nocturia symptoms.
This small study involved 26 patients with nocturia. Patients received either the study drug (treatment group) or a placebo (control group) for 2 weeks. After a one-week rest period, patients who received placebo then received the study drug for 2 weeks, and vice versa. The study period was a total of 5 weeks.
The average number of voids per night was 2.3 during treatment with diclofenac, compared to 2.7 voids during placebo treatment. This difference was found to be statistically significant. 34.6% of patients showed an average improvement of more than 0.5 voids per night during diclofenac use.
Nighttime urine volume was also significantly decreased during active treatment compared to placebo. During diclofenac treatment participants slept on average 18 minutes longer before waking up to urinate for the first time (177 minutes of sleep compared to 159 minutes with placebo).
There were no significant differences in the number of daytime voids or total 24-hour urine volume between treatment and placebo. No significant side effects were reported.
The bottom line
This study concluded that NSAIDs like diclofenac may help relieve nocturia symptoms.
The fine print
This study is significantly limited by a small sample size, study method and short follow-up. Larger studies are needed to draw clear conclusions regarding the benefit of NSAIDs in treating nocturia.
Published By :
European Urology
Date :
Apr 01, 2006
