How the Bladder Works

Each time you eat and drink, your body absorbs liquids. The kidneys filter out waste and make urine. The urine is stored in your bladder. Your bladder tells the brain when it's full. That's when you get the feeling that you need to go to the bathroom.

A normal bladder: You go to the bathroom when you're ready

The normal bladder muscle expands like a balloon to hold a cup or 2 of urine. As it fills, you feel stronger and stronger urges to go. When you are ready, you walk to the bathroom. Then you give your bladder the OK to go.

A normal bladder

An overactive bladder: You get a strong urge to go before you're ready

The overactive bladder muscle doesn't wait until it's full to send an urgent signal. It can send emergency "false alarms" again and again. That can cause strong sudden urges to urinate. And may even lead to an accident.

An overactive bladder

Detrol^® LA (tolterodine tartrate extended release capsules) can help calm your bladder muscle. That can mean fewer strong sudden urges to go. Detrol LA may help you worry less about accidents, and you may not have to rush to the bathroom as much.

Next: What Causes OAB Symptoms

Detrol^® LA (tolterodine tartrate extended release capsules) treats the symptoms of overactive bladder (leaks, strong sudden urges to go, going too often).

Important Safety Information

If you have certain stomach problems, glaucoma, or cannot empty your bladder, you should not take Detrol LA.

Detrol LA may cause allergic reactions that may be serious. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue. If you experience these symptoms, you should stop taking Detrol LA and get emergency medical help right away.

Medicines like Detrol LA can cause blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. Use caution while driving or doing other dangerous activities until you know how Detrol LA affects you.

The most common side effects with Detrol LA are dry mouth, constipation, headache, and stomach pain.

Detrol LA has both benefits and risks. There may be other options. Ask your doctor if Detrol LA is right for you.

To learn more about Detrol LA, please see Full Prescribing and Patient Information.

The product information provided in this site is intended for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.