Detrol

Brand Name:Detrol LA

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Tolterodine is used to treat bladder problems such as the frequent need to urinate or problems with a loss of bladder control (e.g. incontinence).

It works on the nerve signals that contract the bladder. By decreasing the contractions, the bladder is able to hold more urine, thereby decreasing the need for frequent trips to the bathroom.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to tolterodine. As well it should not be used or used with extreme caution in people with glaucoma that is not responding to treatment, in people with myasthenia gravis, severe colitis or toxic megacolon or anyone with a blockage of their intestines or urinary tract. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:

  • glaucoma
  • problems with your kidney or liver
  • any heart rhythm problems
  • difficulty going to the bathroom (e.g. urinary incontinence or urinary retention)
  • problems with your prostate (an enlarged prostate - prostatic hyperplasia)
  • problems with your stomach
  • problems with esophageal reflux (heartburn) or esophagitis
  • problems with constipation

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • dry mouth or eyes
  • constipation
  • heartburn or upset stomach
  • problems going to the bathroom (urinating)
  • feeling dizzy
  • headache

These side effects are usually related to dose, the use of other medications and other factors (e.g. older age, other medical conditions). As well, some of these side effects may go away with time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you have any risk factors that may make you more sensitive to these side effects. Contact your doctor if these symptoms continue or become worse.

Other less common side effects include:

  • problems with vision
  • feeling tired
  • feeling confused or experiencing hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really present)

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • warfarin - may increase your chance of bleeding, INR should be monitored
  • amantadine, amitriptyline and other similar antidepressants, MAO-I inhibitors, amoxapine, diphenydramine, chlorpheniramine, thioridizine, atropine, hyoscine, scopolamine, oxybutynin and other anti-cholinergic drugs - may increase your chance of side effects with urinating, constipation or dry mouth and other
  • drugs that can cause tiredness, sedation, dizziness or increase the chances of having the same side effects - talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following drugs:
    • antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine)
    • opioid pain medications (e.g. codeine, oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone)
    • other antidepressants (e.g. sertraline, paroxetine, trazodone), medications for anxiety (e.g. lorazepam, diazepam) and antipsychotics (e.g. risperidone, haloperidol)
    • muscle relaxants (e.g. cyclobenzaprine)
    • drugs for epilepsy (gabapentin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, valproic acid)
  • medications for glaucoma – may interfere with how well your glaucoma medications can work
  • itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, fluoxetine, paroxetine, cimetidine, cyclosporine, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir), amiodarone, clarithromycin, erythromycin, diltiazem, verapamil - may increase the amount of tolterodine in your blood
This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Your doctor may send you for eye tests to ensure that you do not develop glaucoma or if you already have it, to see that it doesn’t get worse.

Children: Not prescribed.

Seniors: Can be used; may be more sensitive to side effects and lower doses may be necessary; especially at the start of therapy.

Pregnant women: Not generally recommended. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Safety not yet established. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know the impact this drug has on them personally. Tolterodine may cause blurred vision, drowsiness or dizziness.

Alcohol: Should be avoided or minimized as it can add to the sedative effects of this drug.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could cause severe symptoms such as breathing difficulties, convulsions and hallucinations. If you experience any unusual reactions, or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug as the symptoms may recur.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due within 2 hours take the dose now and skip the next. Do not take a double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: None unless prescribed by your doctor.