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Drugs A–Z

Tolterodine

Tolterodine is a prescription medicine. The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Prescription only (Rx)
Taken
Oral
Label
Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited, revised February 9, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
Generic
FDA-approved (12 companies) · details

What it is used for

Tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules are an antimuscarinic indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency. ( 1 ) Tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency [ see CLINICAL STUDIES ( 14 ) ].

Forms and strengths

Capsules: 2 mg and 4 mg ( 3 ) The 2 mg capsules are size "4", hard gelatin capsules having a green cap and green body, imprinted "1189" on the cap with white ink, containing off-white to brownish colored pellets. The 4 mg capsules are size "3", hard gelatin capsules having a blue cap and blue body, imprinted "1190" on the cap with white ink, containing off-white to brownish colored pellets.

Who should not take it (contraindications)

Tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules are contraindicated in patients with urinary retention, gastric retention, or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. Tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules are also contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients, or to fesoterodine fumarate extended-release tablets which, like tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules, are metabolized to 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine. ( 4 ) Tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules are contraindicated in patients with urinary retention, gastric retention, or uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. Tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules are also contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients, or to fesoterodine fumarate extended-release tablets which, like tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules, are metabolized to 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine [ see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ( 5.2 ), ( 5.3 ), ( 5.4 ) ] .

Warnings and precautions

Anaphylaxis and angioedema requiring hospitalization and emergency medical treatment have occurred with the first or subsequent doses of tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules. ( 5.1 ) Urinary Retention: use caution in patients with clinically significant bladder outflow obstruction because of the risk of urinary retention. ( 5.2 ) Gastrointestinal Disorders: use caution in patients with gastrointestinal obstructive disorders or decreased gastrointestinal motility because of the risk of gastric retention. ( 5.3 ) Controlled Narrow-Angle Glaucoma: use caution in patients being treated for narrow-angle glaucoma. ( 5.4 ) Central Nervous System Effects: Somnolence has been reported with tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules. Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules affect them. ( 5.5 ) Myasthenia Gravis: use caution in patients with myasthenia gravis. ( 5.8 ) QT Prolongation : consider observations from the thorough QT study in clinical decisions to prescribe tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules to patients with a known history of QT prolongation or to patients who are taking Class IA (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications. ( 5.9 )

5.1 Angioedema Anaphylaxis and angioedema requiring hospitalization and emergency medical treatment have occurred with the first or subsequent doses of tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules. In the event of difficulty in breathing, upper airway obstruction, or fall in blood pressure, tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules should be discontinued and appropriate therapy promptly provided.

5.2 Urinary Retention Administer tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules with caution to patients with clinically significant bladder outflow obstruction because of the risk of urinary retention [ see CONTRAINDICATIONS ( 4 ) ].

5.3 Gastrointestinal Disorders Administer tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules with caution in patients with gastrointestinal obstructive disorders because of the risk of gastric retention. Tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules, like other antimuscarinic drugs, may decrease gastrointestinal motility and should be used with caution in patients with conditions associated with decreased gastrointestinal motility (e.g., intestinal atony) [ see CONTRAINDICATIONS ( 4 ) ].

5.4 Controlled Narrow-Angle Glaucoma Administer tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules with caution in patients being treated for narrow-angle glaucoma [ see CONTRAINDICATIONS ( 4 ) ].

5.5 Central Nervous System Effects Tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules are associated with anticholinergic central nervous system (CNS) effects [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] including dizziness and somnolence [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Patients should be monitored for signs of anticholinergic CNS effects, particularly after beginning treatment or increasing the dose. Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the drug's effects have been determined. If a patient experiences anticholinergic CNS effects, dose reduction or drug discontinuation should be considered.

5.6 Hepatic Impairment The clearance of orally administered tolterodine immediate release was substantially lower in cirrhotic patients than in the healthy volunteers. For patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A or B), the recommended dose for tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules is 2 mg once daily. Tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules are not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) [ see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ( 2.2 ) and USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS ( 8.6 ) ] .

5.7 Renal Impairment Renal impairment can significantly alter the disposition of tolterodine and its metabolites. The dose of tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules should be reduced to 2 mg once daily in patients with severe renal impairment (CCr: 10 to 30 mL/min). Patients with CCr<10 mL/min have not been studied and use of tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules in this population is not recommended [ see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.2) and USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS ( 8.7 ) ].

5.8 Myasthenia Gravis Administer tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis, a disease characterized by decreased cholinergic activity at the neuromuscular junction.

5.9 Use in Patients with Congenital or Acquired QT Prolongation In a study of the effect of tolterodine immediate release tablets on the QT interval [ see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.2 ) ], the effect on the QT interval appeared greater for 8 mg/day (two times the therapeutic dose) compared to 4 mg/day and was more pronounced in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers (PM) than extensive metabolizers (EMs). The effect of tolterodine 8 mg/day was not as large as that observed after four days of therapeutic dosing with the active control moxifloxacin. However, the confidence intervals overlapped. These observations should be considered in clinical decisions to prescribe tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules to patients with a known history of QT prolongation or to patients who are taking Class IA (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications. There has been no association of Torsade de Pointes in the international post-marketing experience with tolterodine tartrate immediate release tablets or tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules.

Side effects (adverse reactions)

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥4% and >placebo) were dry mouth, headache, constipation, and abdominal pain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Torrent Pharma Inc. at 1-800-912-9561 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience The efficacy and safety of tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules was evaluated in 1,073 patients (537 assigned to tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules; 536 assigned to placebo) who were treated with 2, 4, 6, or 8 mg/day for up to 15 months. These included a total of 1,012 patients (505 randomized to tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules 4 mg once daily and 507 randomized to placebo) enrolled in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, 12-week clinical efficacy and safety study. Adverse events were reported in 52% (n=263) of patients receiving tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules and in 49% (n=247) of patients receiving placebo. The most common adverse events reported by patients receiving tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules were dry mouth, headache, constipation, and abdominal pain. Dry mouth was the most frequently reported adverse event for patients treated with tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules, occurring in 23.4% of patients treated with tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules and 7.7% of placebo-treated patients. Dry mouth, constipation, abnormal vision (accommodation abnormalities), urinary retention, and dry eyes are expected side effects of antimuscarinic agents. A serious adverse event was reported by 1.4% (n=7) of patients receiving tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules and by 3.6% (n=18) of patients receiving placebo. Table 1 lists the adverse events, regardless of causality, that were reported in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-week study at an incidence greater than placebo and in greater than or equal to 1% of patients treated with tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules 4 mg once daily. Table 1. Incidence* (%) of Adverse Events Exceeding Placebo Rate and Reported in ≥1% of Patients Treated with Tolterodine Tartrate Extended-Release Capsules (4 mg daily) in a 12-week, Phase 3 Clinical Trial Body System Adverse Event % Tolterodine Tartrate Extended-Release Capsules n=505 % Placebo n=507 Autonomic Nervous dry mouth 23 8 General headache 6 5 fatigue 2 1 Central/Peripheral Nervous dizziness 2 1 Gastrointestinal constipation 6 4 abdominal pain 4 2 dyspepsia 3 1 Vision xerophthalmia 3 2 vision abnormal 1 0 Psychiatric somnolence 3 2 anxiety 1 0 Respiratory sinusitis 2 1 Urinary dysuria 1 0 *in nearest integer The frequency of discontinuation due to adverse events was highest during the first 4 weeks of treatment. Similar percentages of patients treated with tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules or placebo discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Dry mouth was the most common adverse event leading to treatment discontinuation among patients receiving tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules [n=12 (2.4%) vs. placebo n=6 (1.2%)].

6.2 Post-marketing Experience The following events have been reported in association with tolterodine use in worldwide post-marketing experience: General: anaphylaxis and angioedema; Cardiovascular: tachycardia, palpitations, peripheral edema; Gastrointestinal: diarrhea ; Central/Peripheral Nervous: confusion, disorientation, memory impairment, hallucinations. Reports of aggravation of symptoms of dementia (e.g., confusion, disorientation, delusion) have been reported after tolterodine therapy was initiated in patients taking cholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of dementia. Because these spontaneously reported events are from the worldwide post-marketing experience, the frequency of events and the role of tolterodine in their causation cannot be reliably determined.

Drug interactions

Potent CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Coadministration may increase systemic exposure to tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules. Reduce tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules dose to 2 mg once daily. ( 7.2 ) Other Anticholinergics (antimuscarinics): Concomitant use with other anticholinergic agents may increase the frequency and/or severity of dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and other anticholinergic pharmacological effects. (7.6 )

7.1 Potent CYP2D6 Inhibitors Fluoxetine, a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6 activity, significantly inhibited the metabolism of tolterodine immediate release in CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers, resulting in a 4.8-fold increase in tolterodine AUC. There was a 52% decrease in C max and a 20% decrease in AUC of 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine (5-HMT), the pharmacologically active metabolite of tolterodine [ see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.1 ) ]. The sums of unbound serum concentrations of tolterodine and 5-HMT are only 25% higher during the interaction. No dose adjustment is required when tolterodine and fluoxetine are co-administered [ see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3) ] .

7.2 Potent CYP3A4 Inhibitors Ketoconazole (200 mg daily), a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, increased the mean C max and AUC of tolterodine by 2- and 2.5-fold, respectively, in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers. For patients receiving ketoconazole or other potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as itraconazole, clarithromycin, or ritonavir, the recommended dose of tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules is 2 mg once daily [ see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ( 2.2) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.3) ].

7.3 Other Interactions No clinically relevant interactions have been observed when tolterodine was co-administered with warfarin, with a combined oral contraceptive drug containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, or with diuretics [ see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.3 ) ] .

7.4 Other Drugs Metabolized by Cytochrome P450 Isoenzymes In vivo drug-interaction data show that tolterodine immediate release does not result in clinically relevant inhibition of CYP1A2, 2D6, 2C9, 2C19, or 3A4 as evidenced by lack of influence on the marker drugs caffeine, debrisoquine, S-warfarin, and omeprazole [ see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.3 ) ] .

7.5 Drug-Laboratory-Test Interactions Interactions between tolterodine and laboratory tests have not been studied.

7.6 Other Anticholinergics The concomitant use of tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules with other anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agents may increase the frequency and/or severity of dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, somnolence, and other anticholinergic pharmacological effects.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults

Renal Impairment: Tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules are not recommended for use in patients with CCr <10 mL/min. Dose adjustment in severe renal impairment (CCr: 10 to 30 mL/min). ( 8.6 ) Hepatic Impairment: Not recommended for use in severe hepatic impairment (Child Pugh Class C). Dose adjustment in mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child Pugh Class A, B). ( 8.7 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data with tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules use in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of tolterodine and its 5-HMT metabolite to pregnant mice during organogenesis did not produce adverse developmental outcomes at doses approximately 9 to 12 times the clinical exposure at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day; however, higher doses produced adverse developmental outcomes (see Data) . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background rate of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data No anomalies or malformations were observed after oral administration of tolterodine to pregnant mice during organogenesis at approximately 9 to 12 times the clinical exposure to the pharmacologically active components of tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules (based on the AUC of tolterodine and its 5-HMT metabolite at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day). At 14 to 18 times the clinical exposure (doses of 30 to 40 mg/kg/day) in mice, tolterodine was embryo-lethal, caused reduced fetal weight, and increased the incidence of fetal abnormalities (cleft palate, digital abnormalities, intra-abdominal hemorrhage, and various skeletal abnormalities, primarily reduced ossification). Pregnant rabbits administered tolterodine subcutaneously at about 0.3 to 2.5 times the clinical exposure (dose of 0.8 mg/kg/day) did not show any embryotoxicity or teratogenicity.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information on the presence of tolterodine or its 5-HMT metabolite in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Based on limited data, tolterodine is excreted into the milk in mice in low amounts (see Data) . The development and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules or from the underlying maternal condition. Animal Data The use of radiolabeled tolterodine in pregnant mice produced milk: plasma ratios that ranged between 0.0 and 0.7.

8.4 Pediatric Use The effectiveness of tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules has not been established in pediatric patients. Efficacy was not established in two randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, 12-week studies that enrolled 710 pediatric patients (486 on tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules, 224 on placebo) aged 5 to 10 years with urinary frequency and urge incontinence. The percentage of patients with urinary tract infections was higher in patients treated with tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules (6.6%) compared to patients who received placebo (4.5%). Aggressive, abnormal, and hyperactive behavior and attention disorders occurred in 2.9% of children treated with tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules compared to 0.9% of children treated with placebo.

8.5 Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety were observed between the older and younger patients treated with tolterodine. In multiple-dose studies in which tolterodine immediate release 4 mg (2 mg bid) was administered, serum concentrations of tolterodine and of 5-HMT were similar in healthy elderly volunteers (aged 64 through 80 years) and healthy young volunteers (aged less than 40 years). In another clinical study, elderly volunteers (aged 71 through 81 years) were given tolterodine immediate release 2 or 4 mg (1 or 2 mg bid). Mean serum concentrations of tolterodine and 5-HMT in these elderly volunteers were approximately 20% and 50% higher, respectively, than concentrations reported in young healthy volunteers. However, no overall differences were observed in safety between older and younger patients on tolterodine in the Phase 3, 12-week, controlled clinical studies; therefore, no tolterodine dosage adjustment for elderly patients is recommended.

8.6 Renal Impairment Renal impairment can significantly alter the disposition of tolterodine immediate release and its metabolites. In a study conducted in patients with creatinine clearance between 10 and 30 mL/min, tolterodine and 5-HMT levels were approximately 2 to 3 fold higher in patients with renal impairment than in healthy volunteers. Exposure levels of other metabolites of tolterodine (e.g., tolterodine acid, N -dealkylated tolterodine acid, N- dealkylated tolterodine, and N -dealkylated hydroxy tolterodine) were significantly higher (10 to 30 fold) in renally impaired patients as compared to the healthy volunteers. The recommended dose for patients with severe renal impairment (CCr: 10 to 30 mL/min) is tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules 2 mg daily. Patients with CCr<10 mL/min have not been studied and use of tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules in this population is not recommended [ see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ( 2.2 ) and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ( 5.6 ) ] . Tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules have not been studied in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment [CCr 30 to 80 mL/min].

8.7 Hepatic Impairment Liver impairment can significantly alter the disposition of tolterodine immediate release. In a study of tolterodine immediate release conducted in cirrhotic patients (Child-Pugh Class A and B), the elimination half-life of tolterodine immediate release was longer in cirrhotic patients (mean, 7.8 hours) than in healthy, young, and elderly volunteers (mean, 2 to 4 hours). The clearance of orally administered tolterodine immediate release was substantially lower in cirrhotic patients (1.0 ± 1.7 L/h/kg) than in the healthy volunteers (5.7 ± 3.8 L/h/kg). The recommended dose for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A or B) is tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules 2 mg once daily. Tolterodine tartrate extended-release capsules are not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ( 2.2 ) and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ( 5.4 )] .

Is there a generic Tolterodine?

Yes. The FDA has approved generic Tolterodine from 12 companies whose approvals are active. The earliest of these was approved in 2015.

An FDA approval does not always mean the generic is already in pharmacies: patent disputes and settlements can delay a launch for years. Your pharmacist can tell you whether a generic is actually available and covered by your plan.

The FDA rates these generics as therapeutically equivalent to the brand ("A" rating): same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and effect. Pharmacists can usually substitute them unless the prescriber says otherwise.

Companies with an approved generic

Ajanta Pharma Ltd, Hetero Labs Ltd Iii, Hetero Labs Ltd V, Inventia Hlthcare, Ivax Sub Teva Pharms, Macleods Pharms, Rising, Teva Pharms Usa, Torrent, Unichem, Unique, Utopic Pharms

Brand-name versions

  • Detrol Upjohn, approved 1998
  • Detrol La Upjohn, approved 2000 Discontinued

Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

Tolterodine in the news

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Recalls

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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID db6e0b6d-0ce5-41d7-881f-881c11f530a4.


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Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

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