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Home > Drug Category > Overactive Bladder Medication > Detrol and Equivalent

Detrol Information

Detrol (Tolterodine) is an antimuscarinic agent used to treat symptoms of an overactive bladder. These symptoms include urge urinary incontinence, which is a sudden and uncontrollable loss of bladder control that leads to urine leakage. It also includes urinary urgency, an immediate and compelling need to urinate that is difficult to delay, and urinary frequency, which occurs when a person needs to urinate much more often than usual.

Tolterodine acts on the bladder by binding to muscarinic receptors and blocking acetylcholine, the chemical messenger that triggers involuntary bladder muscle contractions. This blockade suppresses the premature spasms/contractions of the detrusor muscle that cause sudden, intense urges to urinate. As a result, the bladder relaxes and can hold a larger volume of urine, effectively reducing urinary frequency and leakage.

Clinical studies suggest that the therapeutic benefits of this medication build gradually rather than appearing overnight. Most individuals may notice a slight reduction in urgency within the first two weeks of tolterodine use, but the full effect on bladder capacity and overall control generally requires four to eight weeks of consistent daily use.

Detrol Side Effects

Because these muscarinic receptors are located throughout the body, tolterodine's antimuscarinic properties can affect systems outside the bladder. The most frequently reported side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, dizziness, dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, heartburn, and vision changes, such as difficulty adjusting to distance. Kindly inform your doctor if you experience any of these side effects, and if they persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if you notice the following while taking tolterodine:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body rash, itching, hives, skin blistering, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Seizure;

Other possible serious side effects of this medication include difficult, burning, or painful urination, dizziness, abnormal awareness of heartbeat, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, or fainting. It is important to consult your doctor right away if you notice these serious side effects. Also, be sure to inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Detrol Precautions

Do not use this medication if you have:
• Allergic reaction to tolterodine, or any other ingredients of Detrol;
• Difficulty passing urine;
• Eye condition called narrow-angle glaucoma;
• Slow stomach emptying;

This medication needs to be used with caution in some individuals with certain medical conditions. Before starting this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Diabetes;
• Eating disorders;
• Electrolyte imbalances;
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as intestinal blockage and ulcerative colitis;
• Heart disease, including a family history of an abnormal heart rhythm called long QT syndrome;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Muscle problems such as myasthenia gravis;
• Nerve problems such as autonomic neuropathy;
• Stroke;

Avoid activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you, as it can cause dizziness and drowsiness. This medication is typically metabolized by the liver. As a result, medications that heavily inhibit liver metabolism can significantly elevate tolterodine concentrations in the blood when used concomitantly. As a result, concomitant use of tolterodine with certain antifungals (such as ketoconazole or itraconazole) or antibiotics (such as erythromycin or clarithromycin) usually requires careful dose titration. Likewise, due to the potential risk of additive effects on the heart, avoiding co-administration with antiarrhythmics such as quinidine, procainamide, and amiodarone is generally advised. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor of any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine whether it is safe to use with Detrol.

Studies regarding tolterodine use in pregnant women are not available, though high-dose animal studies reveal potential risks like reduced fetal weight and structural abnormalities. Because of these unknown maternal-fetal risks, most guidelines recommend using this medication only when the therapeutic benefit clearly outweighs potential dangers. Similarly, it is unknown if tolterodine passes into human breast milk, but animal studies confirm its excretion during lactation. Furthermore, the anticholinergic properties of this medication might suppress maternal prolactin levels and decrease overall milk production. As a result, experts generally advise women to either stop breastfeeding or discontinue the medication entirely. This medication is not recommended for use in children. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Detrol?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Detrol.