Detrol

Tolterodine is used treat overactive bladder (a condition in which the bladder muscles contract uncontrollably and cause frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, and inability to control urination) to relieve urinary difficulties, including frequent urination and inability to control urination. Tolterodine is in a class of medications called antimuscarinics. It works by relaxing the bladder muscles preventing bladder contraction.

Tolterodine belongs to a class of drugs called cholinergic (acetylcholine) receptor blockers. It is used to treat disorders of the urinary bladder that affect urination. The urinary bladder is a muscular "bag." Urine coming from the kidneys fills the bladder and causes it to stretch like a balloon. As it stretches, pressure in the bladder increases and, when the bladder reaches a certain level of stretch, a desire to urinate is felt. Nerves in the muscular wall of the bladder release acetylcholine, a chemical that attaches to receptors on the muscle cells and causes the cells to contract (tighten). This contributes further to the increase in pressure within the bladder and the desire to urinate. At the appropriate time (for example, when a toilet is available), there is conscious relaxation of the muscle at the outlet of the bladder, and the high bladder pressure forces urine out of the bladder. Normally, urination is under conscious control; however, in some individuals normal control as well as normal sensation are lost. The desire to urinate may be felt when there is little urine in the bladder, and urination may occur without warning or control. By blocking the effect of acetylcholine on the muscle cells, tolterodine slows the build-up of pressure in the bladder, reduces the sensation to urinate, and prevents uncontrolled urination. The FDA approved tolterodine in 1998. An extended release form of tolterodine, (Detrol LA) was approved by the FDA in 2001.

The most common side effects of tolterodine are:

• dry mouth,
• dry eyes,
• headache,
• upset stomach,
• dizziness,
• drowziness, and
• constipation.

Tolterodine also may cause blurred vision. Caution is recommended for patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, obstruction to the flow of urine, or poor emptying of the stomach since tolterodine may worsen these medical conditions.

Tablets: 1 and 2mg. Long acting capsules: 2 and 4 mg.

Tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature, 15 C - 30 C (59 F - 86 F).

The most common side effects with Detrol are:

• dry mouth
• dizziness
• headache
• stomach pain
• constipation

This is not a complete list of side effects of Detrol. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that is bothersome or does not go away.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

This medication falls into category C. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication and had some babies born with problems. No well-controlled studies have been done in humans. Therefore, this medication may be used if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or if you are planning to breastfeed. It is not known if Detrol is excreted in human breast milk or if it will harm your nursing baby.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to tolterodine or fesoterodine (Toviaz), or if you have:

• a blockage of the urinary tract (difficulty urinating);
• a blockage in your stomach or intestines; or
• untreated or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma.

To make sure you can safely take tolterodine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• myasthenia gravis;
• glaucoma; or
• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether tolterodine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication..

It is not known whether tolterodine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

• Overactive Bladder (OAB)
• Urinary Incontinence
• Urinary Incontinence in Children
• Urinary Incontinence in Women

Tolterodine is used to treat symptoms of an overactive bladder, such as incontinence (loss of bladder control) or a frequent need to urinate.

Tolterodine belongs to the group of medicines called antispasmodics. It helps decrease muscle spasms of the bladder and the frequent urge to urinate caused by these spasms.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.

Tolterodine may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema. Anaphylaxis and angioedema can be life-threatening and require 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 cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or have blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, not alert, or not able to see well.

This medicine may cause dryness in the mouth, nose, and throat. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, blurred vision, and fast heartbeat.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Detrol: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Detrol and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate;

• confusion, hallucinations;

• urinating less than usual or not at all; or

• painful or difficult urination.

Less serious Detrol side effects may include:

• dry mouth, dry eyes;

• blurred vision;

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• constipation or diarrhea;

• stomach pain or upset;

• joint pain; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

A decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Excreted into human milk: Data not available Excreted into animal milk: Yes

Animal studies have revealed slightly reduced body weight gain in nursing offspring. The offspring regained the weight during the maturation phase. There are no controlled data in humans; however, long-term use may reduce milk production or milk letdown.