Tolterodine
Key points
- Tolterodine is used to relieve urinary difficulties, including frequent urination and inability to control urination.
- Tolterodine comes as a tablet and an extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth.
- However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
- Although side effects from tolterodine are not common, they can occur.
Tolterodine
(tole ter' a deen)
Other Names:Detrol, Detrol LA
Why is this medication prescribed?
Tolterodine is used to relieve urinary difficulties, including frequent urination and inability to control urination. Tolterodine is in a class of medications called antimuscarinics. It works by preventing bladder contraction.
How should this medicine be used?
Tolterodine comes as a tablet and an extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. The tablet is usually taken twice a day. The extended-release capsule is usually taken once a day with liquids. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tolterodine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the extended-release capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking tolterodine,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tolterodine or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E-mycin, Ery-Tab, others), fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), medications for glaucoma, and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, or an obstructive gastrointestinal disease, such as pyloric stenosis.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking tolterodine, call your doctor.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from tolterodine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dry mouth
- blurred vision
- upset stomach
- headache
- constipation
- dry eyes
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
