Detrol LA Uses

Common symptoms of an overactive bladder can often be controlled with Detrol LA. Uses of the medicine specifically include the prevention of leaking accidents, frequent urination, and sudden urges to urinate. Since clinical studies show that Detrol LA use in children increased the risk of hyperactivity, aggression, and abnormal behavior, the medication is only approved for use in adults at this time.

Detrol LA Capsules -- Drug Information

Detrol LA Uses: An Overview

Detrol^® LA (tolterodine ER) is a prescription medication approved to treat an overactive bladder. It belongs to a group of medications known as anticholinergics or antimuscarinics.

An overactive bladder is caused by bladder muscle contractions that are too frequent and uncontrollable. Normally, the bladder slowly fills until nerve signals tell your brain that the bladder is full and you need to use the bathroom. Then the bladder muscles contract when you urinate. However, in some people, the bladder muscles contract spastically and frequently. This causes the following overactive bladder symptoms:

Sudden, frequent urges to urinate
Frequent urination (needing to go more than eight times in 24 hours)
Leaking accidents (known as urinary incontinence or urge incontinence).

Sometimes, an overactive bladder is caused by other medical problems, such as an enlarged prostate. In these cases, it is usually best to treat the underlying problem instead of using Detrol LA. The medication is not approved for other types of bladder problems.

How Does Detrol LA Work?

Detrol LA belongs to a group of medications known as anticholinergics or antimuscarinics. It works by binding to specific receptors (called muscarinic receptors) in the bladder, helping the muscles of the bladder to relax. Since an overactive bladder is often due to bladder muscle contractions that are too frequent and uncontrollable, Detrol LA can help relieve many of the symptoms of an overactive bladder.

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