Tolterodine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Detrol, Detrol LA

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking tolterodine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For tolterodine, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to tolterodine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy - Tolterodine has not been shown to cause birth defects in humans. However, studies in animals have shown that tolterodine causes death of the embryo, a decrease in the weight of the fetus, and other problems in the fetus. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding - It is not known whether tolterodine passes into breast milk. However, tolterodine does pass into the milk of animals and has caused a short-term loss of weight of the offspring. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children - Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of tolterodine in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults - This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than is does in younger adults.

Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of tolterodine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Glaucoma or
• Stomach problems or
• Urinary retention - Tolterodine may make these conditions worse

• Liver problems - A lower dose of tolterodine may be necessary
• Kidney problems - A lower dose of tolterodine may be necessary