Tolterodine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 5, 2024.

Applies to tolterodine: oral capsule extended release, oral tablet.

Serious side effects of tolterodine

Along with its needed effects, tolterodine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tolterodine:

More common side effects

• abnormal vision, including difficulty with adjusting to distances
• bloody or cloudy urine
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• frequent urge to urinate

Less common side effects

• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• diarrhea
• fever
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headache
• joint pain
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches and pains
• nausea
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• shivering
• shortness of breath or troubled breathing
• sore throat
• stuffy or runny nose
• sweating
• tightness of the chest or wheezing
• trouble with sleeping
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• being forgetful
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, ankles, lower legs, or feet
• confusion about identity, place, and time
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• hives
• itching
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• mood or mental changes
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• rapid weight gain
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• skin rash
• tingling of the hands or feet
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight gain or loss

Other side effects of tolterodine

Some side effects of tolterodine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• abdominal or stomach pain
• constipation
• drowsiness
• dry eyes
• dry mouth
• upset stomach

Less common side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• blurred vision
• difficulty with moving
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• dry skin
• fear or nervousness
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• heartburn
• indigestion
• sensation of spinning
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• stomach discomfort
• weight gain

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tolterodine: oral capsule extended release, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common adverse events reported were dry mouth, headache, constipation, vertigo/dizziness, and abdominal pain. Dry mouth, constipation, abnormal vision (accommodation abnormalities), urinary retention, and xerophthalmia are expected side effects of antimuscarinic agents.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Dry skin, acne, rash/erythema
• Postmarketing reports: Angioedema^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (35%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, ulcerated stomatitis
• Frequency not reported: Gastroesophageal reflux, vomiting^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Palpitations, arrhythmia, abnormal ECG, hypertension
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cardiac failure
• Postmarketing reports: Tachycardia, peripheral edema, flushing^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Dysuria, urinary tract infection, micturition frequent
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urinary retention^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity not otherwise specified
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Influenza-like symptoms, infection^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Weight gain, abnormal alkaline phosphatase, enzyme abnormality^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, leg pain^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, vertigo/dizziness, migraine
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Paresthesia, memory impairment
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Convulsions^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal accommodation, xerophthalmia, vision abnormal^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, chest pain, malaise, pain, fall^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Somnolence, anxiety
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nervousness
• Postmarketing reports: Confusion, disorientation, memory impairment, hallucinations, aggravation of symptoms of dementia (e.g., confusion, disorientation, delusion) after therapy was initiated in patients taking cholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of dementia^[Ref]

Renal

• Postmarketing reports: Renal dysfunction^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, coughing, dyspnea^[Ref]

Further information

Tolterodine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer