Detrol (Tolterodine)

What is Detrol?

Detrol LA (tolterodine) belongs to a group of drugs called antispasmodics. The drug reduces spasms of the bladder muscles.

What is Detrol used for?

Detrol LA is indicated for the treatment of an overactive bladder with symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence. It helps reduce leaking of urine and decreases frequency of urination.

How does Detrol work?

Detrol LA works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder and thus, improving person’s ability to control urination.

How to use Detrol

Detrol LA should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once daily, with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Do not break, crush or chew the pill. Swallow it. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Detrol warnings and precautions

Do not take Detrol LA if you are allergic to tolterodine or if you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, blockage in your stomach, intestines, or urinary tract.

Prior to taking Detrol LA, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, or a personal or family history of  “Long QT syndrome”.

While using Detrol LA, avoid drinking alcohol or performing activities that require alertness (e.g., driving).

Pregnant women should not use the drug without consulting their doctors. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance. It is not known if the drug passes into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Thus, lactating women should not use the drug unless prescribed by the doctor.

What do I do if I have missed a Detrol dose?

If you have missed your Detrol LA dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next (scheduled) dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Detrol overdose?

If you have taken a Detrol LA overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Detrol interactions

Before taking Detrol LA, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like arsenic trioxide (Trisenox), pentamidine (Pentam, NebuPent), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf, Sandimmune), halofantrine (Halfan) or chloroquine (Arelan), droperidol (Inapsine), vinblastine (Velban), narcotic medication such as levomethadyl (Orlaam); antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), azithromycin (Zithromax), erythromycin (E.E.S., Erythrocin, E-Mycin, Ery-Tab), telithromycin (Ketek), dirithromycin (Dynabac), pentamidine (Pentam, NebuPent), sparfloxacin (Zagam); medicines for the treatment of psychiatric disorder, such as haloperidol (Haldol), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril); or heart rhythm medication such as dofetilide (Tikosyn), amiodarone (Pacerone, Cordarone), disopyramide (Norpace), quinidine (Quinaglute, Cardioquin), sotalol (Betapace), or procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl).

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use includi

Detrol side effects

Detrol LA side effects include hives, dry mouth, blurred vision, dry eyes, drowsiness, dizziness, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation,  stomach ache, headache, and pain in joints.

Unever heart rate, chest pain, hallucinations, confusion, decreased frequency of urination, and pain or difficulty while urinating are also side effects from Detrol LA. If you get any of these side effects after using Detrol LA, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.