Tolterodine tartrate is a prescription drug used for the treatment of patients with an overactive bladder. It is the preferred treatment in patients with symptoms of frequency, urgency or urge incontinence. Tolterodine reduces these symptoms by binding to receptors in the bladder that lead to contraction. Bladder contraction and muscle pressure decrease. Patients may experience side effects when taking this medication. In some individuals, the drug may not be safe.
Side Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects are reported with the use of tolterodine tartrate. Dry mouth is the most common and may occur in about 35 percent of patients. Constipation may occur in about 7 percent of individuals on the drug. About 5 percent of patients may experience abdominal pain and indigestion. Headaches occur in 7 percent of individuals, reports the “Drug Information Handbook.” If the patient experiences any of these side effects or another effect not listed, he should inform his physician.
Warnings
Tolterodine tartrate must be used cautiously in patients who have bladder flow obstruction, which may lead to and increase the risk of urinary retention. RxList.com explains that patients with gastrointestinal obstructive disorders, such as pyloric stenosis, must use caution due to the risk of gastric retention. High doses of tolterodine tartrate may prolong a specific part of the heart’s electrical cycle, called the QT interval. Caution should be used in patients who have a prolonged QT before initiation of the medication or who receive therapy with QT-prolonging drugs, such as procainamide or amiodarone. The patient must always inform the physician of her entire medical history to ensure safety.
Liver and Kidney Dysfunction
Tolterodine tartrate is broken down in the body by the liver. Patients who have liver impairment may experience toxic levels of the drug; therefore, the dose of the medication is adjusted in these patients. Elimination of the drug from the body occurs through the urine. Dosing adjustment is necessary in patients who have kidney dysfunction.
Pregnancy
According to the “Drug Information Handbook,” tolterodine tartrate belongs in pregnancy category C, which means animal studies indicate that the medication causes harm to the fetus, but human studies have not been done. The medication should only be used during pregnancy when no other options exist or benefits greatly outweigh risks.
Contraindications
Tolterodine tartrate is contraindicated in patients who have narrow-angle glaucoma. If the patient is receiving treatment for narrow-angle glaucoma, the medication may be used with caution. The drug is also contraindicated in patients with urinary or gastric retention. Patients who have a disorder called myasthenia gravis should not be given tolterodine tartrate. If a patient is allergic to tolterodine or any component, he should not be prescribed the medication. Allergic reactions include rash, itchiness and red plagues on the skin. Shortness of breath, chest pain or swelling of the lips or tongue may be signs of a severe allergic reaction and requires medical attention. The patient must discontinue the drug and never take it again.
References
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
- RxList.com: Detrol LA
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Josep T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert., et al.; 2008
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