What are the side effects of Detrusitol?

Detrusitol is a medication that is used to help treat an overactive bladder. Detrusitol works by relaxing the walls of the bladder and is ideal for people suffering from urinary incontinence. Detrusitol is a slow-release medication that allows the bladder to retain more liquid, thus meaning that the person taking the medication does not feel the need to go to the bathroom as often. In this article, we will discuss the potential side effects of detrusitol, as well as many other questions people may have regarding the treatment. 

What are the common side effects of Detrusitol?

As with other prescription medications, detrusitol has some common side effects that some people may experience. Below is a table of common side effects, as well as ways to cope with them.

What are the serious side effects of Detrusitol?

There are however some more serious side effects that people taking detrusitol may experience. These are much less common. If you experience any of these more serious side effects, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Serious side effects include:

• Serious stomach pain after meals

• Feeling the need to defecate

• Not being able to defecate

• Difficulty fully emptying the bladder

• Difficulty beginning urination

• A particularly high or low temperature

• Bloody or cloudy urine

• Swollen ankles or legs

What forms does Detrusitol come in?

Detrusitol comes in tablet form and is available in four different packet sizes. The packet sizes you can purchase detrusitol in are 28, 56, 84, and 168 tablets, depending on the amount you have been prescribed. In order to take detrusitol properly, you should first read the informational leaflet in the box. After doing so, you can then take the tablet as prescribed, ensuring that you do not chew or break the tablet as this can affect how the medication is absorbed.

Can you take Detrusitol if you suffer from allergies?

If you suffer from allergies and have to take medication to relieve allergy-like symptoms then you will still be okay to take detrusitol when prescribed. The only time that an allergy will stop you from taking detrusitol is if you are in fact allergic to the medication itself. If you start to have an allergic reaction to detrusitol you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. You should tell your doctor or independent prescriber whether you have had an allergic reaction to any other medication prior to taking detrusitol.

Can children take Detrusitol?

On the advice and direction of your doctor or children's medical specialist then children over the age of two years old can also take detrusitol in order to treat bladder-based conditions. Detrusitol is also often used as an effective treatment of bedwetting in children. Bedwetting is also medically known as nocturnal enuresis and will affect around half a million children and teenagers in the United Kingdom. 

Can elderly people take Detrusitol?

There is specific evidence that shows that elderly people can effectively use detrusitol to relieve symptoms of issues related to urination and the bladder. Many people over the age of 65 will experience issues with incontinence and many people will feel embarrassed about such issues. Detrusitol is ideal for those people over the age of 65 who are looking at getting their bladders under control. If you are looking for an alternative to Detrusitol, a product such as Vesomni may be perfect for you.

Can you take Detrusitol if breastfeeding?

Detrusitol is safe for mothers who are breastfeeding, as long as their doctor deems that their child is in good enough health. There are however some suggestions that long-term use of detrusitol can result in reduced lactation, and mothers can potentially produce less milk than those not taking detrusitol. In order to spot the signs of this, you should check for symptoms such as increased weight gain and sagging, empty-feeling breasts.

Which medical problems can affect the use of Detrusitol?

When you are suffering from issues with the bladder you must let your doctor or independent prescriber know that you are using other medications for other conditions. The other medications that can potentially affect the way in which detrusitol works include:

• Antibiotics like erythromycin or clarithromycin

• Ketoconazole or itraconazole, which is used to treat fungal infections

• Medicines used to treat HIV

• Metoclopramide which is used to increase how quickly you digest food

• Amiodarone, sotalol, quinidine or procainamide, which are used to treat irregular heartbeats

• Other medicines that work in a similar way to tolterodine, such as amantadine

What is the proper way to use Detrusitol to reduce potential side effects?

Detrusitol is available in tablet form. To correctly take the medication in order to ensure that it works as best as it can you should swallow them whole with the aid of water. You should make sure not to break or chew the tablets as this can affect how well the medication works. 

What is the correct dosage of Detrusitol?

Simply put, the correct dosage for detrusitol is whatever your doctor or independent prescriber prescribes for you. You can purchase detrusitol in strengths of 1mg, 2mg, or 4mg. The common prescription of detrusitol is 4mg, however, this will vary depending on who is being prescribed it. For example, children may only be prescribed 1 or 2mg. 

What should you do if you miss a dose of Detrusitol?

When you have realised that you have missed a dose of detrusitol, you may still be able to take it, depending on when you realise. It is important however not to double dose, and you should never take more than your prescribed dose on a given day. If you notice that you have missed a dose close to the time of your next dosage, skip the one that you missed and take your medication at your next scheduled dose.

How should you store Detrusitol?

In order to ensure that detrusitol works correctly you should store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and away from any moisture. You should also keep the packet away from heat sources, and out of cupboards that are directly located above radiators that are regularly switched on.

What precautions should be taken for Detrusitol?

When you go to your doctor or independent prescriber with issues regarding conditions that can be treated with detrusitol, you will be asked many questions regarding potential precautions you should take. Something to look out for is if you have any other health conditions. Telling your doctor about these is imperative. According to the NHS, you should tell your doctor if you have had experience with any of the following: 

• Have ever had an allergic reaction to detrusitol or any other medicine

• Have liver or kidney problems

• Have myasthenia gravis

• Have glaucoma

• Are not able to urinate or empty your bladder completely

• Have a severe stomach or bowel condition

• Have problems digesting food, or have severe constipation

• Have heart problems, such as long QT syndrome, heart failure, irregular or slow heartbeats or cardiomyopathy

• Have a hiatus hernia

• Have nerve damage that affects blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, and digestion (autonomic neuropathy)

• Have digestive problems such as heartburn and acid reflux

• Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding

Can Detrusitol cause a serious allergic reaction?

There is a possibility that someone who is allergic to detrusitol can have a serious allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, due to the medication. If you begin to experience minor allergic reactions due to detrusitol it is important that you let your doctor know straight away. 

Sources

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699026.html

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tolterodine/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tolterodine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20066449?p=1

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7372-8152/tolterodine-oral/tolterodine-oral/details