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Detrol (tolterodine) is an antispasmodic medication used to treat an overactive bladder. This medication is also known as Detrusitol.
In reducing bladder muscle spasms, the medication helps patients regain control of:
Detrol generally should not be used in children. Not only can it be very difficult to distinguish between regular wetting and overactive bladder in younger patients, many studies of the medication have shown no benefit when compared to placebo. Seeking doctor advice is strongly encouraged before use in children, and a doctor will likely need to modify dosage.
This page is about the regular Detrol tablets, typically taken twice per day. Patients may also be interested in the extended-release version of Detrol, called Detrol XL, which is taken just once per day.
What to Expect from Detrol
This medication consists of film-coated tablets, which can be taken with or without food according to personal preference. A full glass of fluid is recommended with each dose.
Treatment in the majority of adults is quite similar:
Smaller doses of 1 mg twice per day are good for those who have kidney or liver impairment, or those on certain other medications, most notably those taking potent inhibitors of CYP3A4. These are:
Some patients may notice improvements within taking the first few doses, but most will need to take the medication for a week or two to see full benefit. In reducing spasms in the bladder, urination should be less frequent and the urge to do so less severe. Most patients taking Detrol are better able to control urination, with fewer accidents and fewer incidences of waking up to urinate.
The need to continue treatment should be evaluated every three to six months.
Use in Children
In most places this medication is not approved for use in children. Some large studies, involving hundreds of children aged 5 to 10 years, found no difference between those on Detrol and those on placebo. There have been other studies in which Detrol did cause some improvement, but it was only marginally better than placebo.
Use of this product in children under age 16 should be done only with the approval and involvement of a doctor.
Potential Complications
Side effects from Detrol are typically mild, but rarely serious side effects can develop. Certain individuals are at increased risk of experiencing these severe side effects; Detrol should be used with caution in those who have:
The most common side effects associated with Detrol use are mild and often transient, meaning they stop occurring as the body adjusts to treatment. These side effects include:
Rarely more serious side effects develop. Seek medical attention if experiencing:
Don't be afraid to ask a doctor about any concerning side effects, no matter how trivial they may seem.
Effects of Detrol on unborn or nursing babies are unknown; it hasn't been studied. In animal trials the medication did cause harm, however, so use of this medication while pregnant or breastfeeding is discouraged.