Detrol is the trade name of the medication tolterodine, which is used to treat overactive bladder symptoms and urinary urge incontinence. With overactive bladder, the muscle of the urinary bladder wall contracts abnormally frequently. This causes a frequent, urgent need to urinate. At times, the urge is overwhelming and accidental urine leakage results. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, approximately 10 percent to 15 percent of women in the U.S. have overactive bladder. The disorder is less common in men. Tolterodine decreases bladder muscle contractions, improving symptoms and decreasing urinary accidents. Tolterodine is usually well tolerated, but can cause side effects.
Urinary Retention
Tolterodine may cause urinary retention, which is pooling of too much urine in the bladder. People who have partially obstructed urine outflow such as men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are at risk for urinary retention associated with the use of tolterodine.
Gastric Retention
The muscles of the stomach, which propel food into the small intestine, are susceptible to the effects of tolterodine. People with a pre-existing medical condition that partially blocks the outflow of stomach contents may experience gastric retention while on tolterodine. Gastric retention is the medical term describing an abnormal accumulation of food in the stomach.
Constipation
Tolterodine can slow intestinal muscular activity, which may lead to constipation. Pre-existing decreased intestinal motility--such as occurs in people with long-standing diabetes or in those taking narcotic pain relievers--increases the risk of this side effect.
Dry Mouth
Tolterodine can reduce the production of saliva causing dry mouth. In a 2009 review article on the safety and efficacy of tolterodine published in “Clinical Interventions in Aging,” Drs. D. Ulahannan and A. Wagg reported that in a clinical trial of tolterodine, 30 percent of study participants taking the drug experienced mild to moderate dry mouth.
Increased Intraocular Pressure with Narrow-Angle Glaucoma
The effects of tolterodine can increase pressure inside the eye in people who have narrow-angle glaucoma. If you have this condition, talk with your doctor before taking tolterodine.
Dry Eye
Tolterodine may decrease tear production causing dry eye. Over-the-counter artificial tears can relieve this side effect.
Vertigo and Dizziness
Tolterodine uncommonly causes a condition called vertigo wherein you have the sensation that you or the world around you is spinning. The medication can also cause dizziness. If you experience these side effects, call your doctor.
Headache
Some people taking tolterodine experience headaches, which are usually mild. If this side effect occurs and interferes with your daily life, talk with your doctor.
References
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Overactive Bladder
- Drugs.com: Detrol FDA Monograph
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Detrol Prescribing Information
- Clinical Interventions in Aging: The Safety and Efficacy of Tolterodine Extended Release in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder in the Elderly
- Mayo Clinic: Tolterodine Side Effects
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