Tolterodine is used to treat an overactive bladder. By relaxing the muscles in the bladder, tolterodine improves your ability to control your urination. It helps to reduce leaking of urine, feelings of needing to urinate right away, and frequent trips to the bathroom. This medication belongs to the class of drugs known as antispasmodics.

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For bladder problems:

Adults—At first, 2 milligrams (mg) two times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.

Tolterodine may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema. Anaphylaxis and angioedema can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, mouth, or throat after using this medicine.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or have blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, not alert, or not able to see well.

Tolterodine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

- Dry mouth

- Heartburn

- Headache

- Constipation

- Diarrhea

- Dry eyes

- Dry skin

- Joint pain

- Abdominal pain

- Excessive tiredness

- Difficulty emptying the bladder

- Painful urination

- Weight gain

- Anxiety

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms stop taking tolterodine and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, and eyes

- Difficulty swallowing or breathing

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking tolterodine,

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tolterodine, fesoterodine fumarate (Toviaz), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in tolterodine tablets or extended-release capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: amiodarone (Nexterone, Pacerone); antihistamines; atazanavir (Reyataz, in Evotaz); clarithromycin; cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune); donepezil (Aricept, in Namzaric); erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab, others); galantamine (Razadyne); itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox. Tolsura); medications for irritable bowel disease, motion sickness, or Parkinson's disease; ketoconazole; procainamide; quinidine (in Nuedexta); ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra, Technivie, Viekira); rivastigmine (Exelon); saquinavir (Invirase); sotalol (Betapace, Sorine, Sotylize); and vinblastine . Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.