Tolterodine Side Effects

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

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

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.

Tolterodine may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema. Anaphylaxis and angioedema can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, mouth, or throat after using this medicine.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or have blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, not alert, or not able to see well.

This medicine may cause dryness in the mouth, nose, and throat. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

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:

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:

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]

See also:

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