See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Detrol
What is Detrol, and what is it used for?
Detrol is a brand name for tolterodine, a medicine that relaxes the bladder. It’s used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, such as urinary frequency and urinary urgency (with or without urge incontinence).
What’s the difference between Detrol and Detrol LA?
Detrol and Detrol LA are different formulations of tolterodine:
- Detrol is the immediate-release form, typically taken more than once daily.
- Detrol LA is extended-release, usually taken once daily.
This affects how long the drug lasts and how often it’s dosed.
What side effects do people commonly get with Detrol?
Common side effects of tolterodine/Detrol tend to be from its anticholinergic effects, such as:
- dry mouth
- constipation
- blurred vision
- dizziness
- headache
Who should avoid Detrol or use it carefully?
People often need extra caution if they have conditions that anticholinergic drugs can worsen, such as:
- urinary retention or trouble emptying the bladder
- severe constipation
- certain bowel conditions (where slowing of the gut can be risky)
- some uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
- significant liver or kidney impairment (dose adjustments may be needed)
How fast does Detrol work, and how long until results show?
Some symptom improvement can start within the first days, but many people assess benefit over a few weeks, depending on dose and formulation.
What happens if you miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, the usual approach is to take it when you remember unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose. You generally should not double up. The exact instructions depend on whether you’re taking Detrol or Detrol LA.
Drug interactions to watch for
Tolterodine can interact with other medicines that affect bladder function or anticholinergic burden. It also can be affected by certain drugs that change liver enzymes involved in tolterodine breakdown. If you tell me your medication list, I can flag the most common interaction patterns to ask your pharmacist about.
Is Detrol the same as generic tolterodine?
Yes. Detrol is tolterodine. You may also see generic tolterodine (and different brands/forms like immediate-release vs extended-release). The formulation matters for dosing and side effects.
Quick clarifying question (so I can give the right details)
Are you asking about Detrol (tolterodine immediate-release) or Detrol LA (tolterodine extended-release)—and what do you want to know most (dose, side effects, interactions, or whether it’s covered/available)?