tolterodine

What to do if you missed your tolterodine dose

Other known brand names

Detrusitol, Blerone, Mariosea, Neditol, Preblacon, Detrol LA

About tolterodine

Tolterodine tartrate is classed as an antimuscarinic (or anticholinergic) muscle relaxant. It helps to reduce bladder muscle spasms and the urge to frequently urinate, caused by these spasms. Tolterodine is used to treat the symptoms of an overactive bladder, such as:

• Urinary urgency (a sudden and urgent need to pee)
• Urinary frequency (needing to pee more often than usual)
• Urinary incontinence (wetting yourself)

Tolterodine relaxes muscles around your bladder, allowing your bladder to hold more liquid, stopping you from needing to pee as often or as urgently. It is available with a prescription as generic tolterodine or under brand names such as Detrusitol, Neditol and Detrol LA.

NowPatient offers generic tolterodine or the branded treatments for urinary incontinence only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.

Key facts of tolterodine

• For the treatment of urinary incontinence
• Tolterodine starts to work within 3 to 8 hours but full effects may take up to 4 weeks to be seen
• Tolterodine has some common side effects which include dry mouth or headache
• It can be dangerous if you take tolterodine with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
• You will normally take tolterodine tablets twice daily or slow-release capsules once daily

Who is tolterodine suitable for?

Tolterodine may be taken by adults. It may also be given to children 2 years of age and over, on specialist advice.

Who is tolterodine not suitable for?

Tolterodine may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking tolterodine if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to tolterodine or fesoterodine in the past
• Have urinary retention
• Have gastric retention
• Have kidney or liver disease
• Have myasthenia gravis
• Have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
• Have a severe stomach or bowel condition
• Have toxic megacolon
• Have any heart problems
• Have heartburn or acid reflux
• Have a hiatus hernia
• Have any nerve damage
• Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding

How and where to get tolterodine?

Tolterodine is available, only with a prescription. It is not available over the counter at a pharmacy.

NowPatient does not allow customers to buy tolterodine directly. Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of urinary incontinence, you can discuss if tolterodine is a suitable treatment option for you.

At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.

Dosage and strength for tolterodine for urinary incontinence

Tolterodine is available as 1mg and 2 mg tablets as well as 2 mg and 4 mg extended-release tolterodine capsules when used for urinary incontinence.

Information about how to take tolterodine for urinary incontinence

Tolterodine tablets or capsules should be taken whole with a glass of water, with or without food, at the same time each day. Do not chew, crush or break open the capsules.

If you are taking the tablets, you will normally take 2mg in the morning and evening, leaving a 12 hour gap between doses. If you have liver or kidney disease, your dose may be reduced to 1mg twice a day. If you are taking the extended-release capsules you will normally take 4mg once a day, unless you have liver or kidney problems, in which case you will take 2mg tablets once a day. For further information please speak to a healthcare professional for medical advice.

What happens if you take too much tolterodine?

If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much tolterodine and you experience any of the following side effects:

What are the side effects of tolterodine?

Side effects of tolterodine are split into common and serious.

Common side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Headache
• Dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision
• Diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, burping, or passing wind
• Abdominal pain

Serious side effects include:

• Faecal impaction
• Urinary retention
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Swollen ankles or legs

If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.

If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.

• Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
• Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• Someone faints and cannot be woken up

Information about taking tolterodine at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements

There may be drug interactions when using herbal remedies and supplements when taking tolterodine. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements or other prescription drugs, such as:

• Erythromycin or clarithromycin
• Ketoconazole or itraconazole
• Metoclopramide
• Medication for irregular heartbeats such as amiodarone, sotalol, quinidine or procainamide
• Cyclosporine
• Vinblastine

Can tolterodine taken for urinary incontinence be taken long term?

You should not take tolterodine longer than you need to. Your doctor will check that you still need to take tolterodine every 6 to 12 months.

Is there a herbal tolterodine?

No. Herbal tolterodine does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.

Can women use tolterodine?

Women can take tolterodine, but it is not recommended in pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor about taking tolterodine if you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or when breastfeeding.

Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking tolterodine?

You can eat and drink normally when taking tolterodine. Some drinks may however irritate your bladder, making your symptoms worse. These include:

• Coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks
• Fizzy drinks
• Alcohol
• Diet drinks or those with artificial sweeteners
• Citrus, orange, grapefruit or lime juice

What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with urinary incontinence?

Modifying your lifestyle may have a positive impact on your urinary incontinence and quality of life. These may include:

• Pelvic floor muscle training to improve your bladder control
• Stay well hydrated to maintain a healthy urinary function
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
• Urinate when you feel the urge to
• When urinating, wait once you have finished for a few moments, and then try again to make sure the bladder is emptied completely

Alternatives to tolterodine

Alternatives for the treatment of urinary incontinence include Betmiga, Yentreve and Emselex.

Sources

• Tolterodine – a medicine for treating symptoms of an overactive bladder – NHS
• Tolterodine: MedlinePlus Drug Information