What is tolterodine tartrate used for?

It is used to treat overactive bladder symptoms, including sudden urges to urinate and frequent urination.

Can I take tolterodine if I have trouble urinating?

No, tolterodine is contraindicated in patients with urinary retention.

What are the most common side effects of tolterodine?

Common side effects include dry mouth, headache, constipation, and abdominal pain.

Is it safe to take tolterodine if I am pregnant?

There is currently no data available regarding the risks of using tolterodine in pregnant women.

Should I avoid driving while taking tolterodine?

You should not drive or operate machinery until you know how tolterodine affects you, as it may cause drowsiness.

Can I take tolterodine if I have glaucoma?

You should not take tolterodine if you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma.

What should I do if I take too much tolterodine?

An overdose can cause severe effects and requires medical attention; doctors may recommend heart monitoring (ECG).

How should I take tolterodine capsules?

The capsules should be swallowed whole once daily with water.

Tolterodine | CAS 124937-51-5 | OOGJQPCLVADCPB

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Anticholinergic

Tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules are an anticholinergic medicine used to treat overactive bladder. This condition often involves symptoms like sudden urges to urinate, frequent urination, and accidental bladder leaks (urge incontinence).

How it worksTolterodine works as an anticholinergic, which helps relax the bladder muscles to reduce sudden urges and frequent trips to the bathroom.

Brand names:TOLTERODINE TARTRATE

Used for

Overactive bladderUrge urinary incontinenceUrgencyUrinary frequency

Conditions

Overactive bladder

Class

AnticholinergicAntimuscarinicUrinaryGastrointestinalCentral Nervous System

How to take

FormsExtended-release capsules

RoutesOral

The standard dose is 4 mg once daily, swallowed whole with water. A lower 2 mg dose may be used for certain patients with kidney or liver issues or those taking specific other medications.

Capsules must be swallowed whole with water.

Key warnings

·Risk of severe allergic reactions or swelling (angioedema).
·Use caution if you have bladder outflow obstructions due to risk of urinary retention.
·Use caution if you have gastrointestinal issues due to risk of gastric retention.
·Use caution if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.
·May cause drowsiness; use caution when driving or operating machinery.

Do not use if

·Urinary retention
·Gastric retention
·Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
·Known allergy to tolterodine or its ingredients
·Known allergy to fesoterodine fumarate extended-release tablets

Side effects

Common

Dry mouthHeadacheConstipationAbdominal pain

Serious

·Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis or swelling)
·Urinary retention (inability to urinate)
·Gastric retention (stomach contents not moving properly)
·Narrow-angle glaucoma issues
·Central nervous system effects like drowsiness

Seek help if

·Severe allergic reaction
·Inability to urinate
·Severe stomach issues
·Extreme drowsiness

Interactions

·Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors: May increase the amount of tolterodine in your body; a lower dose of 2 mg may be needed.
·Other anticholinergics: Taking other drugs in this class may increase side effects like dry mouth, constipation, or blurred vision.
·Potent CYP2D6 inhibitors (like fluoxetine): May significantly increase the levels of tolterodine in the blood.

Special populations

PregnancyThere is no available data regarding the use of tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules in pregnant women to determine risks.

PediatricThe effectiveness of tolterodine in children has not been established. Studies in children aged 5 to 10 showed a higher rate of urinary tract infections and some cases of hyperactive or abnormal behavior compared to placebo.

GeriatricNo specific dosage changes are recommended for elderly patients, as safety was similar to younger patients in clinical studies.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Bladder function
·Heart rhythm (ECG) if overdose occurs
·Signs of allergic reaction

Questions to ask

·Can I take this if I have kidney or liver issues?
·Will this interact with my current medications?
·How long will it take for my bladder symptoms to improve?
·What should I do if I experience severe constipation or dry mouth?

Pharmacokinetics

MetabolismMetabolized to 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine.

Practical

OverdoseTaking too much can cause severe central anticholinergic effects. If an overdose is suspected, heart monitoring (ECG) is recommended.

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-26.