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Tolterodine

Generic name: tolterodine [ tol-TER-oh-deen ]
Brand names: Detrol, Detrol LA
Dosage forms: oral capsule, extended release (2 mg; 4 mg), oral tablet (1 mg; 2 mg)
Drug class: Urinary antispasmodics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 17, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is tolterodine?

Tolterodine is used in adults to treat overactive bladder with symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence (urine leakage).

Tolterodine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Tolterodine side effects

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

Tolterodine may cause serious side effects. Stop using tolterodine and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of tolterodine may include:

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.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take tolterodine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take with water.

Take tolterodine 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.

Tolterodine 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

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 tolterodine?

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

What other drugs will affect tolterodine?

Tolterodine 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:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect 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 this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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