- 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).
It is made by Pfizer, Inc.
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, which helps 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
bladder problems.
Studies have shown Detrol LA to be effective in treating several symptoms of an overactive bladder. In studies, people who took Detrol LA reduced the frequency of wetting accidents by about half. Also, those who took the drug used the bathroom less frequently and were able to pass more urine each time they used the bathroom (the frequent muscle contractions of an overactive bladder usually prevent the bladder from holding a normal amount of urine).
When and How to Take Detrol LA
General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
- Detrol LA comes in capsule form. It is taken just once a day.
- You can take it on an empty stomach or with food. If the drug seems to bother your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Detrol LA should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- Because Detrol LA is an extended-release medication, it should be swallowed whole with liquids. Do not open, chew, or crush the capsules.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Detrol LA that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you respond to Detrol LA
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Detrol LA. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. 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 easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Detrol LA include, but are not limited to:
(Click Detrol LA Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Detrol LA
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Detrol LA if you have:
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Liver disease, including liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Glaucoma
- Myasthenia gravis
- Digestive problems (especially those that involve slow emptying of food from the stomach)
- Difficulty passing urine
- An enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose could potentially cause serious effects, such as a dangerously irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Also, an overdose would be likely to cause the usual
Detrol LA side effects, but perhaps more severely.
If you happen to overdose on Detrol LA, seek immediate medical attention.
Detrol LA should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The capsules should be stored in an airtight container.
Keep Detrol LA and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Detrol LA as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Detrol LA capsules come in the following strengths:
- Detrol LA 2 mg
- Detrol LA 4 mg.
Is There a Generic Version of Detrol LA?
