Indications
Detrol (active ingredient: tolterodine) is a prescription medication indicated for:
- Overactive Bladder: Detrol is used for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence.
Detrol belongs to a class of drugs known as antimuscarinics (also called anticholinergics), which work by blocking the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors in the bladder, thereby reducing bladder muscle contractions and symptoms associated with overactive bladder.
Uses and Dosage
Tolterodine typically comes in the form of tablets that are taken by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day with a 12-hour gap between doses. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Adults should take 2mg in the morning and 2mg in the evening, with a 12-hour gap between doses. However, your healthcare provider may lower the dose to 1 mg two times a day based on how you respond to the medication. Children should take 1mg twice a day with the same 12-hour gap between doses. It should not be taken more than 4mg in a day.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Tolterodine Tartrate:
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain or upset
- Joint pain
- Headache
Serious Side Effects of Tolterodine Tartrate:
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Fast and uneven heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Hives
- Painful or difficult urination
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Urinating less than usual or not at all
Form and Strength
Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate) is available in the following forms and strength:
Trazodone: Scored Tablet
- 1 mg
- 2 mg
Trazodone: Scored Tablet
- 1 mg
- 2 mg
Caution
- Do not take Detrol if you are allergic to Tolterodine or any of its ingredients, have urinary/gastric retention, or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. Follow your doctor's recommended dosage and do not crush or chew the medication.
- Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how Detrol affects you, as it can cause dizziness which may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid hazardous tasks until you are aware of how you are affected by the medication.
- Detrol may interact with cyclosporine, vinblastine, pentamidine, arsenic trioxide, droperidol, chloroquine, narcotic medications, antibiotics, psychiatric disorder medications such as amitriptyline, chlorpromazine, maprotiline, and methadone, moxifloxacin, and heart rhythm medications such as amiodarone.
- If you experience swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat after taking Tolterodine (Detrol), either right away or after taking multiple doses, stop taking the medication and seek emergency medical help if you have trouble breathing, a blockage in your airway, or a drop in your blood pressure.
- Tolterodine (Detrol) can cause changes to vision; check with an eye doctor if unsure of glaucoma type, especially if narrow-angle glaucoma.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take tolterodine (Detrol) to work?
Tolterodine (Detrol) can start working in, 5 days but it might take 5 to 8 weeks for you to feel the full effects. It is important to continue taking this medication every day even if you do not see improvement in your OAB (Overactive Bladder) symptoms right away.
Should I avoid drinking water if I have overactive bladder symptoms?
Stay hydrated, spread-out fluid intake but avoid large amounts of water at once, if experiencing dry mouth, try sugarless gum or hard candy.
Is tolterodine safe to take for a long time?
Tolterodine is safe to take for a long time. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any potential risks or side effects.
Does tolterodine help with incontinence?
Yes, tolterodine can help reduce the symptoms of urge incontinence and overactive bladder.
Can tolterodine cause vision problems?
Yes, tolterodine can cause changes to your vision. This is more likely to happen if you have glaucoma. Tolterodine is not recommended if you have a condition called uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. Check with your eye doctor if you are unsure what type of glaucoma you have.
Resources
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/020771s022lbl.pdf
- https://www.goodrx.com/tolterodine/what-is
- https://www.detrolla.com/
- https://www.rxlist.com/detrol-drug.htm
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01314872
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7372-8152/tolterodine-oral/tolterodine-oral/details
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