Tolterodine
Information about Tolterodine
Tolterodine uses
Tolterodine is used in the treatment of Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. OAB is a collection of urinary symptoms, including frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, and inability to control urination.
How tolterodine works
Tolterodine is an antimuscarinic. It works by relaxing muscles of the urinary bladder and prevents frequent, urgent or uncontrolled urination.
Common side effects of tolterodine
Dryness in mouth, Constipation, Headache, Dizziness, Blurred vision, Urinary retention, Chest pain, Dry eye, Fatigue, Urinary tract infection, Influenza, Weight gain, Joint pain, Pharyngitis, Cough, Prolonged QT interval, Lower limb edema, Depression
Available Medicine for Tolterodine
Expert advice for Tolterodine
- Tolterodine treats symptoms of an overactive bladder by lowering the urge to urinate and controlling urination.
- It can take up to 4 weeks before you see any improvement in your symptoms. Keep taking it as prescribed.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks as they can worsen your symptoms.
- It may cause dizziness and blurring of vision. Don't drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
- Dry mouth, dry eyes, and constipation may occur as a side effect. Maintain good oral hygiene, drink water frequently, chew sugarless gum, and wear contact lenses with caution.
Frequently asked questions for Tolterodine
Tolterodine
Q. How long does it take for Tolterodine to show its effect?
Your symptoms may start improving within 1 week of starting Tolterodine. Maximum benefits may be seen after 5-8 weeks of treatment. To maintain this improvement, your doctor may prescribe this medicine to you for a long term of up to 24 months.
Q. What class of drug is Tolterodine? Is it a diuretic?
Tolterodine belongs to a class of medicines known as muscarinic receptor blockers. Tolterodine is not a diuretic, it is a urinary antispasmodic. This means that it relaxes the urinary bladder, decreasing spasm of the bladder wall. This further provides better control upon the release of urine and also increases storage volume of the bladder.
Q. Can I just stop taking Tolterodine?
Tolterodine does not cure your condition but helps to control the symptoms of overactive bladder. Do not stop taking this medicine even if you feel better. Your doctor will reassess your condition at regular intervals, like 6 months, to understand the duration for which you need to take Tolterodine.