Tolterodine

About tolterodine

Tolterodine is used to treat the symptoms of an overactive bladder. These are: urinary frequency (a need to pass water often), urinary urgency (a need to pass water urgently) and urinary incontinence (a lack of control over passing water). Tolterodine works by reducing the muscle contractions that cause these symptoms.

Before taking tolterodine

Before taking tolterodine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems.
• If you suffer from prostate problems.
• If you suffer from glaucoma, myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease) or hyperthyroidism.
• If you suffer from hiatus hernia, reflux oesophagitis (acid reflux or heartburn), or ulcerative colitis (ulceration and inflammation of the colon).
• If you suffer from paralytic ileus, toxic megacolon or have any other problems with gut motility (movement of waste through the gut).
• If you have been experiencing difficulty urinating (passing water).
• If you suffer from problems of your nervous system that affect your blood pressure, bowel or sexual function.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take tolterodine

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Tolterodine can be taken before, after or during a meal. Swallow them whole with a drink of water.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at the usual times. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose, never take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
• If you have been given the modified release capsule swallow it whole. Do not crush or chew it.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of tolterodine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor, so your progress can be monitored.
• Do not stop taking tolterodine without speaking to your doctor first.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside tolterodine.
• Before having any kind of treatment, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking tolterodine.

Can tolterodine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other side effects may include stomach pain, feeling or being sick, dry eyes, difficulty in passing urine, heartburn, wind, tiredness, dry skin or rash, restlessness, feeling disorientated, chest pain, swelling of the ankles and feet, seeing or hearing things that are not real, a fast or fluttering heart beat, and a tingling sensation in the fingers or toes.

Important: if you experience swelling of the mouth or face, or any difficulty in breathing or swallowing, then contact your doctor immediately or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital.

How to store tolterodine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

Important information about all medicines