Tolterodine
Tolterodine is an antimuscarinic medication used to treat overactive bladder, helping to reduce urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence episodes. It works by blocking muscarinic receptors in the bladder wall, preventing involuntary muscle contractions that cause the urge to urinate.
Tolterodine treats overactive bladder by blocking muscarinic receptors that control bladder contractions.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- G04BD07
- RxNorm
- 119565
- Generic
- Tolterodine
- Class
- atc-g04
- Brands
- Detrol
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 2mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
tolterodine is excreted in breast milk - avoid use during lactation
monitor infant for anticholinergic effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose to 1mg twice daily
use with caution due to increased sensitivity and altered pharmacokinetics
monitor for anticholinergic side effects, cognitive changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
not approved for use in children - safety and efficacy not established
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose to 1mg twice daily
dose reduction required due to decreased clearance
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose to 1mg twice daily
dose reduction required due to decreased metabolism
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval year for Tolterodine (Detrol)
Drug class
ATC classification - G04BD10 (Tolterodine)
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Tolterodine is used to treat overactive bladder with symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence. It helps control involuntary bladder contractions that cause sudden urges to urinate and accidental leakage.
Tolterodine is a competitive antagonist at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. By blocking these receptors in the urinary bladder detrusor muscle, it inhibits involuntary contractions, increases bladder capacity, and reduces urgency sensations.
Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision due to anticholinergic effects. It should be used cautiously in patients with urinary retention, narrow-angle glaucoma, or myasthenia gravis. Liver metabolism may interact with other medications metabolized by CYP450 enzymes.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy