Detrol (Tolterodine)

Description

Detrol is a medication that is used to treat overactive bladders. This drug is also useful in treating illnesses that are related to urination. This medication is also commonly known as tolterodine amongst medical professionals.

How it Works

Detrol belongs to a group of drugs known as antispasmodics. These drugs work by relaxing the muscles in the bladder. By decreasing the spasms in the bladder muscles, the medication is able to improve an individual’s ability to control his or her urination.

Uses

The medication not only treats an overactive bladder, but it also treats other symptoms related to the issue. For instance, it can reduce leaking of urine and the need to urinate frequently. This can help you to decrease the number of trips to the washroom. It also has considerable influence over your urine’s frequency, incontinence and urgency.

Dosage

This medication is usually taken twice a day, by mouth, with or without food. Your dosage might differ according to your personal condition and response to the treatment. This medication should be taken regularly in order to benefit from it. Thus, do not skip or miss your dosage since it can affect the effectiveness of the treatment. Do not increase your dosage in an attempt to accelerate the treatment process. This will not improve your condition but will only increase the risk of side effects.

If you want to make any changes to the dosage, make sure to consult your physician first. If you miss a dose, do not double it the next time. Just follow your regular timetable.

Side Effects

During this treatment period, you might or might not experience some of the following side effects.

 Hallucinations
 Confusion
 Painful urination
 Joint pain
 Dizziness
 Drowsiness
 Blurred vision
 Constipation

If you do experience any of the following, make sure to contact your healthcare provider for immediate medical assistance.

Precautions

Make sure to follow the precautions given below in order to avoid the risk of side effects of this medication.

 Do not consume alcohol while taking this drug. This can increase the risk of side effects to a significant extent.

 Do not stop the treatment abruptly without informing your physician.

 Check whether you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in this drug.

 Do not drive after taking your dose since this medication can impair your thinking and reaction.

 Do not take the medication longer than you are prescribed.

 Inform your physician if you have pre-existing kidney or liver disease.

Self Care

Inform your physician and pharmacist about all your current medications including herbal treatments, supplements and other prescription drugs. This way, you can ensure that Detrol will not adversely react to any of your current medications.

This medication should not be taken during the period of pregnancy since it can harm an unborn baby. Thus, if you become pregnant during the treatment, make sure to contact your physician immediately. It is best to stop this treatment temporarily. Although it is not known whether this medication can passed on to a baby through breast milk, women who use Detrol are advised to stay away from this medication during breastfeeding.