It was specifically developed as a treatment for persons with overactive bladder who have symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, or urge incontinence. Tolterodine should not be used in persons with urianry retention, gastric retention or glaucoma. Side effects can occur and include dry mouth, indigestion, dry eyes, headache, constipation, and abnormal vision. Initial studies indicate that this drug may cause fewer side effects as tolterodine was shown to be better tolerated than oxybutyinin. It blocks the contraction of the bladder by relaxing the bladder muscles.
Side effects develop in a large portion of clients.
Some of these side effects may become intolerable and include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, elevated intraocular pressure, cardiac disturbances, and delirium. The drug uses osmotic pressure to deliver oxybutynin at a controlled rate over 24 hours. The drug s extended-release ability is a benefit as the person taking this longer released drug may experience less side effects and less number of times the medication must be taken. Dry mouth, which is one of most bothersome side effect of medications, used in persons with urge UI is seen less often with this form of oxybutynin. Oxybutynin also has muscarinic actions.