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Tolterodine
Tolterodine is typically used for treating symptoms of an overactive bladder, including leaking accidents and frequent urination. It works by causing the muscles of the bladder to relax. The medication is available by prescription and comes in a tablet form that is generally taken twice a day. Most people tolerate it well, but potential side effects can include dizziness, abdominal pain, and headache.
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Tolterodine tartrate (Detrol®) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of overactive bladder. Specifically, it is approved to help treat the following overactive bladder symptoms:
- Frequent urination (usually defined as needing to go more than eight times in 24 hours)
- Sudden, frequent urges to urinate
- Leaking accidents (known as urinary incontinence or urge incontinence).
Tolterodine is also available in a long-acting, once-daily tablet (see Detrol LA for more information). This article refers to the short-acting form.
(Click What Is Tolterodine Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with tolterodine. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.
Common side effects of tolterodine include but are not limited to:
- Dry mouth (see Detrol and Dry Mouth)
- Headaches
- Constipation (see Detrol and Constipation)
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain).
(Click Side Effects of Tolterodine to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD