The syndrome of burning, frequency, urgency and nocturia in urogenital infections and noninfective disease states, and as a sequel to surgical procedures (including instrumentation), is of common occurrence. The association with diverse urogenital disorders, especially in geriatric patients, suggests a common disturbance of the physiologic mechanisms of voiding. Since the relief of symptoms is of paramount importance to the patient, much effort has been expended to find a suitable agent for this purpose. Such an agent should: 1) relieve spasm, 2) relax the detrusor, 3) minimize local symptoms of frequency, urgency and burning, and 4) allay apprehension and anxiety which, in many elderly patients, may contribute to the perpetuation of symptoms.