Tolterodine is a drug to treat an overactive bladder . This condition can cause a sudden urge to urinate ( urgent incontinence ) and an inability to hold back the urge to urinate.
Tolterodine belongs to the class of antispasmodic drugs. This drug works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder, thereby reducing bladder contractions. This way of working will help sufferers of overactive bladder to control the urge to urinate.
Tolterodine trademark: Detrusitol
What is Tolterodine
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Antispasmodic |
| Benefit | Overcome bladder conditions that are too active or overactive bladder |
| Used by | Mature |
| Tolterodine for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether tolterodine is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine before consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Film-coated tablets |
Precautions Before Taking Tolterodine
Before taking tolterodine, you need to pay attention to the following things:
- Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Tolterodine should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or currently have urinary retention , bladder obstruction, ulcerative colitis , intestinal obstruction, glaucoma , severe constipation, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease , myasthenia gravis , or electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia .
- Tell your doctor if you or any family member has a history of heart rhythm disturbances, such as QT prolongation of the heart.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Limit activities that are in hot temperatures, such as exercising outdoors during the day or bathing in hot water, because this drug can increase the risk of heatstroke .
- Do not drive a vehicle, operate heavy machinery, or do activities that require alertness, after taking tolterodine, because this drug may cause dizziness or blurred vision.
- See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking tolterodine.
Dosage and Rules for Using Tolterodine
The following is the dose of tolterodine in adults to treat an overactive bladder or urge incontinence :
-
Quick-release tablet ( immediate-release )
The dose is 2 mg, 2 times a day. Dosage can be reduced to 1 mg, 2 times a day according to body response.
-
Slow release tablets ( extended release )
The dose is 2-4 mg, once a day. Dosage can be reduced to 1 mg, 2 times a day according to body response.
How to Take Tolterodine Properly
Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the information printed on the drug packaging. Try to take tolterodine at the same time every day so that the drug is more effective.
Tolterodine tablets can be taken with or without food. Use a glass of water to help swallow it. Do not chew or crush tolterodine tablets as this can increase the risk of side effects.
Take tolterodine tablets according to the dosage determined by your doctor. Make sure there is sufficient time between one dose and the next.
If you forget to take tolterodine, consume it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.
Tolterodine may increase the risk of heatstroke . Therefore, drink plenty of water while undergoing treatment with this drug. Call your doctor right away if you have any signs of heatstroke , such as a raised body temperature, mood or mental changes, headaches , or dizziness.
Store tolterodine in a closed container in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and keep this drug out of reach of children.
Tolterodine interactions with other drugs
Drug interaction effects that can arise if tolterodine is used with certain drugs include:
- Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding when used with potassium supplements
- Increased risk of heatstroke when used with zonisamide or topiramate
- Increased risk of tolterodine side effects when used with abametapir, cimetidine , clarithromycin, cobicistat, enzalutamide, erythromycin , idelalisib, itraconazole , mifepristone, ketoconazole , lonafarnib, nefazodone, ribociclib, or saquinavir
- Enhanced anticholinergic effect of revefenacin or glycopyrrolate
- Increased risk of gastrointestinal movement disorders when used with pramlitide
Tolterodine Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that may occur after consuming tolterodine are:
- Headache or dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Joint pain
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Stomach ache
- Constipation or diarrhea
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't improve or get worse. Immediately go to the doctor if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or serious side effects occur, such as:
- Pain or difficulty urinating
- Confusion or hallucinations appear
- Chest pain or fast heart rate
- Stomach pain that's getting worse
- Very severe dizziness or fainting