Detrusitol (Tolterodine Tartrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Detrusitol Used For?
Detrusitol is a medication that helps manage symptoms associated with an overactive bladder.
Primary Uses
It is primarily used to alleviate urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence.
How It Works
Detrusitol works by reducing bladder spasms and relaxing the bladder wall muscles, which helps increase bladder storage capacity and delays the urge to urinate.
Good to know: Detrusitol is not addictive.
Continue Reading
Sign in to access the complete medication guide including dosage, side effects, warnings, and more.
How to Take Detrusitol
Follow your doctor's instructions for taking Detrusitol to ensure the best results.
Dosage Instructions
The typical dosage is either 1 mg or 2 mg taken twice a day. Always take it at the same time each day.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- dry mouth
- heartburn
- headache
- constipation
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- dry eyes
- nausea
- tiredness
- swollen ankles
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- dizziness or confusion
- fits
- fast heartbeat or palpitations
- shortness of breath and swelling of the feet or legs
- blurred vision
- difficulty or pain when urinating
- hallucinations
Important Warnings
There are several important considerations to keep in mind while taking Detrusitol.
Who Should Not Take Detrusitol
Do not take Detrusitol if you are allergic to tolterodine or any of its ingredients, if you cannot urinate, have a blocked gastrointestinal tract, uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, or myasthenia gravis.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss with your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, heart issues, urine retention, intestinal blockage, autonomic neuropathy, hiatus hernia, severe constipation, or raised eye pressure.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Detrusitol should not be taken while breastfeeding.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Elderly patients, particularly those with dementia, should use caution when taking Detrusitol.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications may interact with Detrusitol, affecting its effectiveness.
Grapefruit interaction: Grapefruit may affect how Detrusitol works.
- fluoxetine
- amitriptyline
- flecainide
- quinidine
- procainamide
- disopyramide
- sotalol
- amiodarone
- fluconazole
- ketoconazole
- itraconazole
- miconazole
- erythromycin
- clarithromycin
- cisapride
- metoclopramide
- haloperidol
- chlorpromazine
- thioridazine
- pimozide
- ritonavir
- indinavir
- droperidol
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious when drinking alcohol or operating machinery while taking Detrusitol.
Alcohol
Alcohol may increase dizziness while taking Detrusitol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machinery until you know how Detrusitol affects you.
Storage
Store Detrusitol tablets in their blister packaging until it's time to take them. Keep them in a cool, dry place below 25°C and out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fits, rapid heartbeat, inability to urinate, dilated pupils, or hallucinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Detrusitol may take some time to show effects, and it's important to continue taking it as prescribed.
It does not matter if you take Detrusitol before or after food.
No, Detrusitol is not addictive.
Do not stop taking Detrusitol without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better.
Be cautious with alcohol as it may increase dizziness.
Weight gain is not listed as a common side effect of Detrusitol.
Elderly patients should use caution and consult their doctor before taking Detrusitol.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's close to your next dose.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.