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

Detrol LA Information

Detrol LA (Tolterodine LA) is an antimuscarinic medication used to manage an overactive bladder, a chronic condition where the bladder muscle contracts frequently and unpredictably. This unpredictable activity creates a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate, a frequent need to urinate throughout the day and night, and also episodes of urge incontinence, which refers to accidental urine leakage before reaching a toilet. Detrol LA is an extended-release formulation of tolterodine tartrate that delivers its active ingredient steadily over 24 hours to control the associated symptoms of this condition.

Tolterodine tartrate works by blocking specific chemical signals that cause the bladder muscle to contract. Normally, a chemical messenger called acetylcholine attaches to receptors on the bladder wall muscle, signaling it to squeeze and empty. In an overactive bladder, these contractions occur too frequently or unpredictably. By binding to these receptors instead, this medication prevents acetylcholine from delivering its signal. This action relaxes the bladder muscle, reduces involuntary spasms, and allows the bladder to hold more urine before triggering the urge to urinate.

Detrol LA Side Effects

Muscarinic receptors are present in organs beyond the bladder, and blocking them can produce widespread effects. Common side effects do include abdominal pain, constipation, dizziness, dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, heartburn, and vision changes, including difficulty adjusting to distances. Be sure to inform your doctor if you experience any of these side effects, and if they persist or worsen.

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;
• Heart problems such as dizziness, heart palpitations (fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat), or fainting;
• Seizure;

Other possible serious side effects of this medication include bloody or cloudy urine, difficult, burning, or painful urination, and swelling of the legs. It is imperative 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, fesoterodine, or any of the inactive ingredients in Detrol LA.
• An eye condition called uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma; • Difficulty passing urine;
• Slow stomach emptying or gastric retention;

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 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 neuropathy;
• Stroke;

Certain medications, such as antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin and erythromycin) and antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole and itraconazole), can alter the metabolism of tolterodine, significantly increasing its concentration in the bloodstream. Likewise, concomitant use of tolterodine with other medications that have antimuscarinic properties (such as certain antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants) can exponentially increase the severity and frequency of adverse effects like severe dry mouth, blurred vision, and profound constipation. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine if it is safe to use along with tolterodine. It is important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you, as it can cause severe dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion.

There are no adequate studies on the use of this medication in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Therefore, experts typically recommend using tolterodine only when the maternal benefits clearly outweigh the potential fetal risks. High doses of this medication caused birth defects in animal studies, which may suggest a risk to human development. Furthermore, because tolterodine passes into animal milk and might suppress human milk production, mothers are advised to avoid breastfeeding while taking this medication. 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 LA?

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