Medications
View All
Detrol LA
Detrol LA is a prescription medicine used for treating an overactive bladder. By binding to specific receptors in the bladder, the drug can help relax the muscles of the bladder to help relieve sudden urges to urinate, leaking accidents, and frequent urination. Detrol LA comes in capsule form and is taken once daily. Side effects of Detrol LA may include dry mouth, headache, and constipation.
Detrol® LA (tolterodine ER) is a prescription medication that is used help treat an overactive bladder. Specifically, it is approved to help treat 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).
(Click Detrol LA Uses for more information on what Detrol LA is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Detrol LA is made by Pfizer, Inc.
Detrol LA belongs to a group of medications known as anticholinergics or antimuscarinics. Detrol LA works by binding to specific receptors (called muscarinic receptors) in the bladder, helping to relax the muscles of the bladder. 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 for 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 Detrol LA 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).
General considerations for when and how to take Detrol LA include the following:
- Detrol LA comes in capsule form. It is taken just once a day.
- It does not matter if you take Detrol LA 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 of the medication in your blood.
- Because Detrol LA is an extended-release medication, it should be swallowed whole with liquids. Do not open, chew, or crush Detrol LA capsules.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
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 is always the case, do not adjust your Detrol LA dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(Click Detrol LA Dosage for more information.)
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:
- Dry mouth (see Detrol LA and Dry Mouth)
- Headaches
- Constipation (see Detrol LA and Constipation)
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain).
(Click Detrol LA Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Detrol LA may potentially interact with a number of other medications (see Detrol LA Drug Interactions).
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
- Digestive problems (especially those than 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
- Are breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Detrol LA Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
A Detrol LA 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 medical attention immediately.
(Click Detrol LA Overdose for more information.)
Detrol LA should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Detrol LA capsules should be stored in an airtight container.
Keep Detrol LA and all other medications out of the reach of children.
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 of Detrol LA.
Detrol LA capsules come in the following strengths:
- Detrol LA 2 mg
- Detrol LA 4 mg.
Currently, there is no generic Detrol LA licensed for sale (see Generic Detrol LA).
|
|
|
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
