Generic name: tolterodine [ tol-TER-oh-deen ]
Brand names: Detrol, Detrol LA
Drug class: Urinary antispasmodics

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Mar 1, 2024.

What is Detrol?

Detrol reduces spasms of the bladder muscles.

Detrol is a prescription medicine used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder in adults, including:

• urge urinary incontinence: a strong need to urinate with leaking or wetting accidents;
• urgency: a strong need to urinate right away; or
• frequency: urinating often.

Detrol LA capsules did not help the symptoms of overactive bladder when studied in children.

Warnings

Do not take Detrol if you are allergic to tolterodine or or fesoterodine (Toviaz), if you have untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you have a blockage of the urinary tract, stomach, or intestines.

Before you take Detrol, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, or a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

Do not crush, chew, break, or open a Detrol LA controlled-release capsule. Swallow it whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Detrol may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase some of the side effects of Detrol.

There are many other drugs that can interact with Detrol. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over the counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Detrol if you are allergic to tolterodine or fesoterodine (Toviaz), or if you have:

• trouble emptying your bladder;

• a blockage in your stomach, slow digestion; or

• uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma.

To make sure Detrol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have::

• a stomach or intestinal disorder;

• problems with constipation;

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• myasthenia gravis;

• trouble emptying your bladder, or a weak stream of urine;

• glaucoma; or

• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take Detrol?

Take Detrol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Take with water.

Take Detrol with or without food, at the same times each day.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Incontinence:

Immediate release tablets:
-Initial dose: 2 mg orally 2 times a day
-Maintenance dose: 1 to 2 mg orally 2 times a day, depending on patient response and tolerability

Extended release capsules:
-Initial dose: 4 mg orally once a day
-Maintenance dose: 2 to 4 mg orally once a day, depending on patient response and tolerability

Comments:
-This drug can be taken with or without food.
-The extended release formulation should be swallowed whole.

Use: For the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency

Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Frequency:

Immediate release tablets:
-Initial dose: 2 mg orally 2 times a day
-Maintenance dose: 1 to 2 mg orally 2 times a day, depending on patient response and tolerability

Extended release capsules:
-Initial dose: 4 mg orally once a day
-Maintenance dose: 2 to 4 mg orally once a day, depending on patient response and tolerability

Comments:
-This drug can be taken with or without food.
-The extended release formulation should be swallowed whole.

Use: For the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency

Related/similar drugs

Botox, oxybutynin, Myrbetriq, mirabegron, solifenacin, tolterodine, trospium, Ditropan, VESIcare

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use 2 doses in one day

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Detrol?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Detrol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Detrol: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Detrol and call your doctor at once if you have:

• confusion, hallucinations;

• severe stomach pain or constipation; or

• painful or difficult urination.

Common Detrol side effects may include:

• dry mouth;

• dizziness;

• constipation;

• stomach pain; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Detrol?

Detrol can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• cyclosporine; or

• vinblastine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with tolterodine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Detrol medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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