Do you also have to go to the toilet often? Do you sometimes have a sudden urge to urinate and feel uncontrollable? This is a really annoying and distressing condition. Even if you are going on a trip with friends or attending a party, you feel scared, "What if I have to go to the toilet?". Tolterodine is a commonly prescribed medication by your doctor for this condition called "Overactive Bladder". Let's talk about this in a simple way that you can understand.
What is Tolterodine? Simply put...
Think of our bladder as a balloon that fills with water. The urine produced by our kidneys gradually collects in this sac called the bladder. When it is full enough, the muscles in the bladder walls contract, signaling us to "go to the toilet now."
However, in this condition called "overactive bladder," the muscles in the bladder become overly sensitive and start to contract before it's even completely full. That's why you have to urinate frequently and urgently.
This medicine, called Tolterodine, works by relaxing the muscles in your bladder that are overactive. This medicine belongs to a class of medicines called ``antispasmodics.'' When the muscles relax, your bladder can hold more urine for longer. This means you will have fewer urges to go to the toilet and it will be easier to control your urine.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor prescribes Tolterodine for you, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your health . Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor. Don't hide them. This will help them decide if this medication is right for you, if you need a different treatment, or if the dosage needs to be changed.
| Health condition or fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Difficulty urinating | If you are already having difficulty urinating or have a tendency to not urinate completely, say so. |
| Glaucoma condition | This medicine may affect you if you have glaucoma, a condition that causes increased pressure in the eyes. |
| Intestinal problems | If you have conditions like intestinal obstruction. |
| Heart disease | Heart rhythm irregularities, or if someone in the family has a history of such. |
| Kidney or liver disease | If your kidneys or liver function is impaired, the way the medicine is removed from your body may be affected. |
| Myasthenia gravis | This is a condition that weakens muscles. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to tolterodine or similar medicines (fesoterodine), other medicines, foods, or preservatives. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | This is a must-mention if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is very simple.
- Swallow this pill with a glass of water .
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor. This will help keep the medicine's effectiveness in your body at the same level.
- Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to "stop now. " Don't stop suddenly, even if you think you're feeling a little better.
- Children may need special care when taking this medicine, so talk to your doctor about that as well.
Most importantly: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to a friend or family member who has the same symptoms as you. It can be dangerous.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
Imagine that you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine. If this happens , go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Do not take this lightly, as taking too much of any medicine can cause side effects.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
We don't always remember everything, so we may forget to take our medicine.
- Drink the missed dose as soon as you remember .
- However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and just take your next dose at the scheduled time.
- Do not take two doses at once for any reason. This will increase the risk of side effects and overdose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
When you take Tolterodine, it may interact with some other medications you are taking. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements .
Below are some medications that may interact with Tolterodine:
- Some antibiotics such as Clarithromycin and Erythromycin
- Cyclosporine
- Medications for depression, such as Fluoxetine
- Medicines for fungal infections (e.g. fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole)
- Medicines for memory problems (e.g. galantamine, donepezil)
- Vinblastine
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about anything you're taking.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Medical tests: Go to your doctor's appointments and get yourself checked out. It may take some time for the results of this medicine to show. So be patient.
- Lifestyle changes: Did you know that tea, coffee, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol can make your bladder problems worse? So it's a good idea to limit these while taking this medication. Also, keeping your bowels regular and avoiding constipation can help reduce bladder symptoms.
- Drowsiness and alertness: This medication may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision in some people. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this affects you. Stand up slowly when you get up from a sitting position. Drinking alcohol can increase these side effects.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect of this medication. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help. If this persists or is severe, tell your doctor.
- Dry eyes: You may experience dry eyes or blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience some discomfort. You can use lubricating drops. If the problem persists, see a doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Tolterodine can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild. The important thing is to be aware of these and take action quickly if necessary.
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions (Allergic reactions / angioedema) | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands or feet, difficulty swallowing or breathing. |
| Heart rhythm changes | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Other serious symptoms `(Anticholinergic toxicity)` | Redness of the face, blurred vision, excessive dryness of the mouth and skin, confusion, difficulty urinating, constipation. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome) | |
| Dizziness | Drowsiness |
| Dry eyes | Headache |
| Nausea | Stomach pain |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms that are not on this list, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about them.
How do you safely store and dispose of medication?
- Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets .
- Store between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (15-30°C), which is normal room temperature. Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Never use expired medicine .
- It's best to ask your doctor how to dispose of expired or no longer needed medications. Some medications are not suitable for disposal in the trash. Therefore, dispose of them according to your doctor's instructions.
Take-Home Message
- Tolterodine is a medication that is used to treat the frequent need to urinate and difficulty controlling urine due to an overactive bladder.
- Before starting this medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- Take your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes, at the right time. Never change the dosage on your own or stop taking the medicine suddenly.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or rapid heartbeat, seek immediate medical attention.
- Since the medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness, avoid driving and risky activities until you are confident about its effects.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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