Detrol

Detrol (tolterodine [tol-TER-oh-deen] tartrate) is an anticholinergic drug that blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the nervous system. This class of drugs works to relax bladder-related and urinary tract muscles to aid in reducing urinary frequency and urgency.

Detrol Warnings

Do not begin, stop, or alter the dose of any medications without discussing them with your physician.

The following products may interact with Detrol:

Anticholinergic drugs
Other antispasmodic drugs
Particular anti-Parkinson’s drugs
Belladonna alkaloids
Potassium tablets or capsules
(Symlin) pramlintide
Drugs that affect liver enzymes that remove Detrol from the body
John’s Wort
Particular anti-seizure medicines

Discuss any of the above products with your physician.

If symptoms of anaphylaxis or angioedema occur, stop taking Detrol and seek emergency medical help immediately. This may include:

Breathing difficulties
Upper airway obstruction
Drop in blood pressure

Why Is Detrol Prescribed for Prostatitis?

Detrol (tolterodine) for prpstatitis is prescribed to relieve symptoms related to frequent urination and the sudden need to urinate, including in the middle of the night while sleeping.

How Should Detrol Be Used?

Detrol LA comes in extended release capsules, and the recommended dose is 4 mg once per day, swallowed whole with water. Do not split, chew, or crush the capsules. Detrol also comes in a tablet.

Based on individual response to treatment, the dose may be decreased to 2 mg per day.

In patients who have mild to moderate hepatic impairment, or in patients who have severe renal impairment, the recommended dose of Detrol LA is 2 mg per day.

This medication is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Other Uses for Detrol

Detrol is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, including urinary frequency, urgency, and loss of bladder control. This medication may be used to treat urinary bladder disease.

Do I Need To Follow Special Precautions?

Before taking this medication, inform your physician if you are allergic to tolterodine or fesoterodine. Discuss with your doctor any other allergies you have. Detrol may contain inactive ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction.

Detrol should not be taken if you have particular medical conditions. Provide your physician with your medical history, especially with regard to:

Urinary retention (difficulty emptying your bladder)
Other bladder problems
Gastric retention (serious blockage of the stomach or intestines)
Ulcerative Colitis
Severe Constipation
Other stomach or intestinal problems
Narrow-angle glaucoma
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Enlarged prostate
Myasthenia Gravis

When taking Detrol, to combat dry mouth, suck on sugarless hard candy or ice, chew sugarless gum, or drink water.

If you become constipated while taking this medication, discuss laxative options with your physician.

Detrol may cause QT prolongation, a rare heart condition. This can rarely cause severe or fatal abnormal heartbeat and dizziness or fainting. If you experience symptoms of QT prolongation while taking this drug, seek immediate medical attention.

QT prolongation risk may be elevated if you have particular medical conditions. Other medications may also interact negatively to cause this condition. Before taking Detrol, inform your physician if you have any preexisting heart problems.

QT prolongation may also occur as a result of low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood.

Be sure to know how you respond to Detrol before driving, using heavy machinery, or performing any other dangerous activity, as it may cause dizziness or blurred vision.

Limit consumption of alcohol beverages while taking this medication.

While taking Detrol, avoid overheating, including being in hot weather, using a sauna, or exercising strenuously, as this medication causes a reduction in sweating.

The kidneys act to remove Detrol. As a result, elderly people may be more sensitive to this medication.

Inform your physician of any other medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription products, as some may interact with Detrol. Especially inform your doctor if you are taking Biaxin, erythromycin, Diflucan, Sporanox, Nizoral, glaucoma medications, and vitamins.

Inform your physician if you are using any products that may cause sleepiness, including:

Alcohol
Antihistamines
Anxiety medications or sleep aids
Muscle relaxants
Narcotic pain relievers

Do I Need to Follow a Special Diet When Taking Detrol?

While taking Detrol, to avoid constipation, eat a high-fiber diet and drink a substantial amount of water.

What If I Forget a Dose?

If a dose is missed, take the medication as soon as you remember. However, if nearing the time when you are supposed to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. If a dose is missed, do not double the dose.

Are There Side Effects When Taking Detrol for Prostatitis?

Side effects may include:

Dry mouth or eyes
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Headache
Constipation
Diarrhea
Stomach pain or upset
Sleepiness or exhaustion
Burping

If the above side effects persist or worsen, inform your physician promptly.

If you have any of the following serious side effects, inform your physician immediately:

Chest pain
Quick or abnormal heart rate
Confusion or hallucinations
Decreased urine production or no urine production at all
Painful urination
Signs of kidney infection, including lower back pain and fever
Severe dizziness or fainting
Rash

Seek immediate emergency attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, including:

Hives
Breathing difficulties
Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat

Does Detrol Have Special Storage Instructions?

This medication should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep this medication away from children and pets. Do not store in the bathroom.

Discard this product properly when it is expired. (Do not flush it down the toilet or rinse it down the drain.)

What Do I Do in the Case of an Accidental Overdose?

In case of a suspected overdose, contact an emergency room or poison control center immediately. For a local control center in the United States, call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents: call a poison control center within your province.