What Does the Drug Myrbetriq Treat? An In-Depth Look at its Uses

October 9, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the National Association for Continence, one in five adults experiences symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB). For those dealing with urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence, a common question is: What does the drug Myrbetriq treat? This medication offers a targeted treatment option for both adults and children with specific bladder conditions.

Quick Summary

Myrbetriq (mirabegron) treats overactive bladder in adults and neurogenic detrusor overactivity in children by relaxing the bladder muscle. This article details its uses, mechanism as a beta-3 agonist, potential side effects, and compares it to other overactive bladder treatments.

Key Points

Overactive Bladder in Adults: Myrbetriq treats symptoms of OAB, including urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence, in adults.
Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity in Children: This drug is also indicated for the treatment of NDO in pediatric patients aged 3 years and older.
Beta-3 Agonist Mechanism: The active ingredient, mirabegron, works by relaxing the detrusor muscle to increase bladder storage capacity.
Differentiation from Anticholinergics: As a beta-3 agonist, Myrbetriq functions differently than older antimuscarinic drugs and may present a more favorable side effect profile.
Dose Adjustment for Impairment: Dosage may need adjustment for patients with renal or hepatic impairment and is not recommended for severe cases.
Potential for Increased Blood Pressure: The medication can increase blood pressure, so it is not recommended for those with severe, uncontrolled hypertension and requires monitoring.

Understanding Overactive Bladder (OAB) and Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity (NDO)

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition that significantly impacts a person's quality of life. It is characterized by a group of urinary symptoms, including a sudden, compelling urge to urinate (urgency), frequent urination (frequency), and sometimes urinary leakage (incontinence). These symptoms occur when the detrusor muscle in the bladder wall contracts involuntarily, even when the bladder is not yet full. While OAB can sometimes have no clear cause, it is occasionally associated with other medical conditions such as diabetes, an enlarged prostate, or neurological disorders.

Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) is a specific type of overactive bladder caused by a nerve problem affecting the brain-bladder communication. Conditions like spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury can lead to NDO, resulting in similar symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence. If left untreated, NDO can lead to increased bladder pressure and potential kidney damage.

What Does the Drug Myrbetriq Treat? Key Indications

Myrbetriq is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for specific bladder conditions in adults and children.

OAB in Adults

In adults, Myrbetriq is prescribed to treat the core symptoms of OAB: urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence. For this indication, it can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with another medication, solifenacin (Vesicare). The starting dosage is typically 25 mg once daily, which may be increased to 50 mg if necessary after four to eight weeks. Taking Myrbetriq helps relax the bladder muscle, which increases the bladder's capacity to store urine and reduces the number of daily urination episodes and leaks.

NDO in Children

Myrbetriq is also approved to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity in pediatric patients aged 3 years and older who weigh at least 35 kg. For children weighing less than 35 kg, an oral suspension formulated from extended-release granules is used. By relaxing the detrusor muscle, Myrbetriq helps increase the amount of urine the bladder can hold, thus reducing urinary incontinence episodes in children with NDO. The dosage for children is determined by weight and adjusted over time based on effectiveness and tolerability.

The Pharmacological Mechanism of Mirabegron

Myrbetriq's active ingredient is mirabegron, which is classified as a beta-3 adrenergic agonist. This mechanism of action differentiates it from older classes of OAB drugs, known as antimuscarinics or anticholinergics. While antimuscarinics work by blocking nerve signals that cause bladder contractions, mirabegron works differently.

Mirabegron specifically targets and activates the beta-3 adrenergic receptors found on the detrusor muscle of the bladder. When these receptors are activated, the smooth muscle surrounding the bladder relaxes. This relaxation during the bladder's storage phase allows it to fill more completely, increasing its capacity and reducing the sudden, unwanted urges to urinate.

Dosage and Administration

Myrbetriq is available as extended-release oral tablets and as extended-release granules for oral suspension. Dosage and administration vary based on the patient's age and the condition being treated.

Administration Instructions:

Adults: Swallow the extended-release tablets whole with water. Do not chew, divide, or crush the tablets. It can be taken with or without food.
Children: For children taking the extended-release tablets, they should be swallowed whole with water and taken with food.
Children (granules): The granules are mixed with water to create an oral suspension. The bottle should be shaken vigorously for one minute before each dose and taken with food.
Missed Dose: If a dose is missed within 12 hours of the usual time, it can be taken when remembered. If more than 12 hours have passed, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular schedule resumed. Do not take a double dose.

Myrbetriq vs. Other Overactive Bladder Treatments

Myrbetriq offers a different pharmacological approach to treating OAB than older antimuscarinic drugs. This can lead to a different side effect profile, which may be preferable for certain patients, especially older adults.


Feature	Myrbetriq (mirabegron)	Oxybutynin (Ditropan)	Solifenacin (Vesicare)
Drug Class	Beta-3 adrenergic agonist	Antimuscarinic/Anticholinergic	Antimuscarinic/Anticholinergic
Mechanism	Relaxes bladder muscle to increase storage capacity	Reduces bladder muscle spasms by blocking nerve signals	Reduces bladder muscle spasms by blocking nerve signals
Common Side Effects	High blood pressure, urinary tract infections, headache, dry mouth	Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness	Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision
Suitability for Seniors	Lower risk of cognitive side effects (confusion, sleepiness) compared to antimuscarinics	Higher risk of cognitive side effects; caution often advised	Similar risk profile to other antimuscarinics
Onset of Action	Effects seen within weeks, full effect in 4 to 8 weeks	Varies by formulation; can be fast-acting or extended-release	Can take several weeks for full effect
Generic Availability	Available as generic mirabegron	Available in generic forms	Available in generic forms

Potential Side Effects and Safety Information

Like all medications, Myrbetriq can cause side effects. It is important for patients and caregivers to be aware of potential adverse reactions, ranging from common and mild to rare and serious.

Common Side Effects:

Headache
Nasopharyngitis (cold symptoms)
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Constipation or diarrhea
Dizziness
Increased heart rate

Serious Side Effects:

High Blood Pressure: Myrbetriq can increase blood pressure, so it is not recommended for patients with severe uncontrolled hypertension. Monitoring is necessary for all patients on the medication.
Urinary Retention: In some cases, Myrbetriq can lead to an inability to fully empty the bladder, particularly in patients with a bladder outlet obstruction (e.g., enlarged prostate) or those taking it with an antimuscarinic drug.
Angioedema: This severe allergic reaction involves swelling of the face, lips, and tongue and requires immediate medical attention.

Conclusion

Myrbetriq (mirabegron) is a valuable prescription medication for treating specific bladder conditions in different age groups. By acting as a beta-3 adrenergic agonist, it provides a different mechanism of action than older anticholinergic therapies, potentially offering an alternative with a more favorable side effect profile for some patients. Its ability to treat overactive bladder in adults and neurogenic detrusor overactivity in children makes it a flexible option for medical professionals. However, close monitoring for potential side effects, particularly increased blood pressure and urinary retention, is crucial. As with any prescription, it is essential to have a detailed discussion with a healthcare provider to determine if Myrbetriq is the right treatment and to understand the proper dosage and safety precautions. For more information, refer to official medical resources such as the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus drug information page..

Keypoints

Overactive Bladder in Adults: The drug Myrbetriq treats symptoms of overactive bladder, including urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence, in adults.
Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity in Children: Myrbetriq is also indicated for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in pediatric patients aged 3 years and older.
Beta-3 Agonist Mechanism: Myrbetriq works by relaxing the detrusor muscle of the bladder, which increases the bladder's storage capacity and reduces involuntary contractions.
Combination Therapy: For adult OAB, Myrbetriq can be taken alone or combined with the antimuscarinic drug solifenacin for enhanced effect.
Potential Side Effects: Common side effects include high blood pressure, headaches, and urinary tract infections, while serious, though rare, side effects like urinary retention can also occur.
Different Formulation for Children: While adults typically use extended-release tablets, children with NDO may require an oral suspension made from granules, depending on their weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Myrbetriq contains the active ingredient mirabegron, a beta-3 adrenergic agonist. It works by targeting receptors on the bladder's detrusor muscle, causing it to relax. This relaxation increases the bladder's capacity to hold urine, which reduces urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence.

Older overactive bladder (OAB) medications, like oxybutynin, are antimuscarinics that work by blocking nerve signals to prevent bladder contractions. Myrbetriq, a beta-3 agonist, works by relaxing the bladder muscle in a different way, which often results in fewer anticholinergic side effects like dry mouth and constipation.

Yes, Myrbetriq is FDA-approved to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in children aged 3 years and older. Dosage is based on the child’s weight, and a liquid suspension is available for younger children. Close monitoring for side effects, especially blood pressure, is necessary.

Common side effects include headache, nasopharyngitis (symptoms like a cold), urinary tract infection (UTI), and increased blood pressure. Some people may also experience constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, or a fast heart rate.

While Myrbetriq begins working shortly after the first dose, the full effect can take several weeks. Some patients may notice improvement in symptoms within the first few weeks, but the maximum benefits are typically seen after four to eight weeks of consistent use.

Serious risks, though rare, include severe increases in blood pressure, urinary retention (difficulty emptying the bladder), and angioedema (a serious allergic reaction). Patients with severe uncontrolled hypertension or bladder outlet obstruction should use caution or avoid this medication.

Myrbetriq can be used alone or in combination with other OAB medications like solifenacin. However, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, as Myrbetriq can interact with certain drugs, such as some metabolized by the CYP2D6 enzyme.