How does it work?

Tolterodine tartrate blocks muscarinic receptors, which can be found on the muscle cells of the bladder wall. Stimulation of these receptors causes the bladder to contract and empty. When these receptors are blocked the muscle of the bladder wall contracts less. The bladder can empty too often (urinary frequency) or unexpectedly (incontinence). This is thought to be due to the bladder wall contracting uncontrollably. This medication can dampen down these contractions and makes the bladder more stable.

What is it used for?

Incontinence

Passing urine too frequently (urinary frequency)

Uncontrollable urge to pass urine (urinary urgency)

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

Use with caution in

Blockage of the gut (intestinal obstruction)

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Disorder of the involuntary nervous system, usually causing weakness and numbness (autonomic neuropathy)

Hiatus hernia

Obstruction of the urinary tract (urethra)

Not to be used in

Abnormal muscle weakness

Children

Closed angle glaucoma

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Inflammation of the bowel and back passage

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Sudden expansion of the large intestine seen in advanced ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (toxic megacolon)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. The manufacturer therefore advises that it should be avoided during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Abdominal pain

Constipation

Blurred vision

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Dry mouth

Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence)

Vomiting

Drowsiness

Confusion

Allergic reaction to active ingredient

Indigestion (dyspepsia)

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Dryness of the skin and eyes

Sleepiness (somnolence)

Nervousness

Chest pain

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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