What Is the Best Over the Counter Medicine for Overactive Bladder (OAB)?

Family Medicine, Primary Care Roots Community Health Center, Hippo Education, Kameda Medical Center

Supervised by Kenji Taylor, MD

There isn’t one best over-the-counter medicine for overactive bladder, but research suggests that pumpkin seed oil may help improve urinary symptoms.

Explanation

Overactive bladder (OAB) often causes a sudden urge to urinate, and while many treatments require a prescription, there is some interest in natural over-the-counter options. One study looked at pumpkin seed oil, which is extracted from Cucurbita maxima, and found that it may help improve urinary problems seen with OAB. Pumpkin seed oil is believed to work by calming the bladder muscles and reducing irritation. Other options, like transdermal oxybutynin, are available but require a prescription, and products like cranberries are more often used to help prevent urinary tract infections, not to treat OAB symptoms. This means that among the over-the-counter choices, pumpkin seed oil appears promising. However, results can vary from person to person, and more research is needed to know exactly how well it works for everyone. If you are thinking of trying an over-the-counter treatment for OAB, it is important to discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your situation.

(References)

Nishimura M, Ohkawara T, Sato H, Takeda H, Nishihira J. Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder. J Tradit Complement Med. 2014 Jan;4(1):72-4. doi: 10.4103/2225-4110.124355. PMID: 24872936; PMCID: PMC4032845.
Vozmediano-Chicharro R, Madurga B, Blasco P. Efficacy of Transdermal Oxybutynin in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder Syndrome: Does It Make Sense Using It in 2017? Adv Urol. 2018 Jul 29;2018:6782736. doi: 10.1155/2018/6782736. PMID: 30151004; PMCID: PMC6087608.
Williams G, Hahn D, Stephens JH, Craig JC, Hodson EM. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Apr 17;4(4):CD001321. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001321.pub6. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Nov 10;11:CD001321. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001321.pub7. PMID: 37068952; PMCID: PMC10108827.

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