Health Library

Tolterodine (By mouth)

Tolterodine Tartrate (tol-TER-oh-deen TAR-trate)

Treats symptoms of an overactive bladder such as incontinence (loss of bladder control) or a frequent need to urinate by helping you have more control over the need to urinate.

Brand Name(s):

Detrol, Detrol LA

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Capsule, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• You may take this medicine with or without food. Drink a full glass (8 ounces) of water or other liquid when taking your medicine.
• Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Take this medicine at the same time each day.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, or Sandimmune®) or vinblastine (Velban®). Tell your doctor if you are using medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, Betapace®, Cardioquin®, Cordarone®, Procanbid®, Pronestyl®, or Quinaglute®), medicine to treat HIV/AIDS (such as atazanavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, Fortovase®, Invirase®, Norvir®, or Reyataz®), or any medicine to treat an infection (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, Biaxin®, Erythro-Tab®, Monistat®, Nizoral®, or Sporanox®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including cirrhosis), myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness), narrow-angle glaucoma, stomach or bowel problems (such as blockage in your intestines, intestinal atony), or urinary bladder problems (such as blockage). Tell your doctor if you have a heart condition called QT prolongation, or a family member with this condition.
• This medicine may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema. Anaphylaxis and angioedema can be life-threatening and requires 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 make you dizzy, drowsy, or cause blurred vision. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or not able to see well.
• Do not change your dose without checking first with your doctor.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Fast or pounding heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Seeing or hearing things that are not really there.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision.
• Constipation, stomach pain or upset.
• Dizziness.
• Dry mouth, skin, or eyes.
• Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings.
• Headache.
• Joint or muscle pain.
• Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness.
• Stuffy or runny nose.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024