NoDrops®

NoDrops® 30 tablets – Supplement for bladder and urinary tract health

NoDrops® is a food supplement containing selected plant extracts and nutrients, formulated to support urinary tract health and the normal function of the urinary system. The formula contains ingredients of natural origin: pumpkin seed extract, California poppy, quercetin, vitamin C, soy isoflavones, and chili pepper.

Who is NoDrops® intended for?

NoDrops® is intended for adults who wish to supplement their diet with a formula specifically for bladder health, particularly when they experience:

• increased urinary frequency;
• urinary urgency;
• the need to support bladder control;
• discomfort related to bladder function.

NoDrops® is not a medicine and does not replace medical evaluation in the presence of persistent symptoms.

What is overactive bladder syndrome?

Overactive bladder syndrome is a disorder of the bladder filling phase. Under normal physiological conditions, the bladder muscles remain relaxed as the bladder fills; with overactive bladder, involuntary contractions of the detrusor muscle may occur, associated with a sudden feeling of urgency [1][2].

It is a common condition that becomes more frequent with age and affects both women and men. It is generally not dangerous, but it can impair quality of life, sleep, and social life.

Overactive bladder symptoms: frequency, nocturia, and urinary incontinence

The most common symptoms are [1]:

• sudden urgency: a need to urinate that is difficult to postpone;
• increased frequency: increased urination during the day;
• nocturia: needing to get up once or more during the night to urinate;
• urge urinary incontinence: in some cases, involuntary urine leakage before reaching the bathroom.

Burning or pain, fever, or blood in the urine are not typical symptoms: in these cases, medical advice is necessary.

What are the causes and risk factors of overactive bladder?

The condition affects between 8% and 16% of the population in Western countries and becomes more common with age [1]. Associated factors include:

• poor pelvic floor tone, the muscles that support the bladder;
• menopause and pregnancy in women;
• prostate disorders in men, for which a urological examination is useful;
• overweight and obesity;
• smoking;
• high coffee and tea consumption [1].

What to eat and drink for bladder health?

Some daily habits may help with bladder control and improve quality of rest [1][2]:

• drink water regularly throughout the day;
• reduce fluid intake in the evening if nocturia is a problem;
• limit caffeine, tea, alcohol and carbonated drinks;
• reduce salt;
• follow a healthy lifestyle, with physical activity and a normal body weight;
• discuss a rehabilitation program for the pelvic floor muscles with a healthcare professional.

Diagnosis and treatment of overactive bladder

Diagnosis is the responsibility of a doctor, usually a general practitioner, urologist or gynecologist.

To diagnose overactive bladder syndrome, the doctor reviews the history of symptoms and current medications, may ask you to keep a bladder diary, and performs a physical examination and urine test; when necessary, additional diagnostic tests may be used [2].

Treatment generally proceeds in stages [2]:

• first line: bladder retraining, pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes;
• drug treatments: when behavioral measures are not sufficient, the doctor may consider specific therapies;
• advanced therapies: in cases that do not respond to previous treatments, specialist options may be considered.

Supplements do not replace these treatments. If you are receiving drug treatment, it is advisable to ask your doctor before adding a supplement.

Active ingredients and amounts per tablet

Amount per tablet, as stated on the label.

• Pumpkin seed extract – 425 mg: a plant-based ingredient used in formulations designed to support urinary tract function.
• California poppy dry extract – 200 mg: extract standardized to 0.2% protopine.
• Quercetin – 100 mg: a flavonoid of plant origin.
• Vitamin C – 80 mg: contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress [3].
• Soybean dry extract – 75 mg: provides 22.5 mg of isoflavones.
• Chili pepper – 60 mg: standardized to 2.5% capsaicin.

Overactive bladder or cystitis: what should you consider in a supplement?

Those looking for a supplement for this condition often come across products generally intended to support urinary tract health, such as those containing D-mannose or bearberry.

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, often caused by an infection, while overactive bladder is a condition mainly characterized by urgency and increased urinary frequency.

If you experience burning, pain, fever or blood in the urine, you should consult a doctor.

When choosing a supplement, it is worth considering its composition, dosage and duration of use. NoDrops® provides nutritional support for bladder health, without replacing any prescribed treatments.

Dosage: how many tablets per day

Initial phase

Take 2 tablets a day, away from meals, for the first 4 weeks.

Maintenance phase

Continue with 1 tablet a day for the following 20 weeks.

Warnings

Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

Keep out of reach of children under three years of age.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Contains soy.

Want to know more? Read the complete guide to overactive bladder.

Frequently asked questions about NoDrops®

Is NoDrops® a medicine?

No. NoDrops® is a food supplement and does not replace medicines or treatments prescribed by a doctor.

How long should you take NoDrops®?

The dosage regimen lasts 24 weeks in total: 4 weeks of 2 tablets a day and 20 weeks of 1 tablet a day.

When should you consult a specialist?

It is advisable to consult a urologist or gynaecologist if symptoms are severe, persistent or accompanied by fever, pain or blood in the urine.

Product information

Format: 30 tablets
Brand: GP Nutraceuticals S.r.l.
Made in Italy

Sources

Information on the definition, symptoms, prevalence and risk factors of the condition comes from the Italian Society of Urology [1]; diagnosis and treatment follow the European Association of Urology guidelines [2]; the vitamin C claim is among the health claims authorised in the European Union [3].

1. Italian Society of Urology (SIU), What is an overactive bladder? Learn more about it
2. European Association of Urology, EAU Guidelines on non-neurogenic female lower urinary tract symptoms
3. Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, permitted health claims on food products