Detrol: Agent for an Overactive Bladder

An overactive bladder can prove to be an embarrassing situation. Not only is it embarrassing, but extremely uncomfortable. If you have gone to your doctor for help concerning an overactive bladder, he/she may have recommended that you take Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate). Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate) comes in tablet and capsule form. The tablets are white, and come in the strengths of one milligram, and two milligrams. The capsules are extended release (Detrol LA), and the two milligram strength comes in a blue/green capsule, while the four milligram strength comes in the blue capsule.

Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate) is used to treat patients who have an overactive bladder with the symptoms that come with having such a disorder, such as urinary urgency and frequency, and even urinary incontinence. To begin taking Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate), the recommended beginning dose is for milligrams a day in one four milligram dose if you are taking Detrol LA, or two regular Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate) doses. The dose of Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate) can be lowered by your doctor depending on how the medication reacts in your body, and how well your body tolerates it. Use one milligram of Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate) twice a day or take Detrol LA 2 mg once a day if you are a patient with impaired hepatic function and if you're taking drugs that stop the action of cytochrome P450 in your liver. The Tolterodine in Detrol slows down the movement in the urinary tract and calms the related muscles. Maximum concentrations of Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate) occurs in one to two hours, and in Detrol LA, maximum concentrations happen after four to six hours since it is an extended release medication. If you are taking any medications that include ketoconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, or vinblastine, levels of Tolterodine in Detrol may increase in patients that are poor metabolizers. Patients that are poor metabolizers are patients who do not have CYP2D6.

Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate) should not be used in patients who have gastric or urinary retention, as well as narrow-angle glaucoma that is not controlled. If you're a patient who is hyper-sensitive to any ingredient in Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate), then you, too, should not be using this medication. If you are a patient with impaired hepatic or renal function, or if you are significant bladder outflow or pyloric stenosis (severe vomiting in infants), then you have to use Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate) with caution as well. It's not recommended to use Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate) during nursing since it is believed that the medication could leave the body through breast milk, and into your infant.

Side effects that are experienced with Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate) include dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, stomach upset, constipation, and somnolence (a feeling of deep sleep). Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate) may also cause vision that is blurred in some cases. Since Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate) can cause drowsiness and dizziness, be careful when doing an activity that requires full alertness, such as driving or operating any other kind of heavy machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate), and remember to store Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate) in a cool, dry place away from children and sunlight. If any of the side effects are severe enough to impair your every day life, consult your doctor as soon as possible. And if a dose is missed, skip it and return to your normal dosing schedule when you can. Never double dose on Detrol (Tolterodine Tartrate).