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How and when to take tolterodine - Brand names: Neditol, Detrusitol, Mariosea

Always follow the instructions from a pharmacist or doctor, or the leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Dosage for standard tolterodine tablets

The usual dose for adults taking standard tablets is 2mg in the morning and 2mg in the evening. Leave a gap of 12 hours between doses.

Children will usually take between 1mg and 4mg a day.

If you are giving tolterodine to a child to stop bedwetting, the usual dose is 1mg taken at bedtime. The dose can be increased up to a maximum of 2mg twice a day, depending on response.

If you have kidney or liver disease, or you're affected by side effects, your doctor may reduce your dose to 1mg, taken twice a day.

Dosage for tolterodine slow-release capsules

The usual dose for adults taking slow-release tolterodine capsules is 4mg, taken once a day.

Children will usually take between 1mg and 4mg a day.

If you have kidney or liver disease, or you're affected by side effects, your doctor may reduce your dose to a 2mg XL capsule once a day or 1mg tablets, taken twice a day.

How to take tolterodine

You can take tolterodine with or without food.

How to take tablets

Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.

How to take slow-release capsules

Slow-release capsules release tolterodine slowly and evenly throughout the day. This means you do not need to take them as often as the standard tablets.

Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them.

Take the capsules at the same time each day. This will help you to remember to take them.

How long to take it for

Usually, you'll need to take tolterodine for a long time.

After 4 weeks your doctor will check that it's helping your symptoms. They'll also do a review every 6 to 12 months after that to check it's still working for you.

Take tolterodine until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop taking it just because you feel better.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take a dose of tolterodine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the normal time.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines.

If you take too much

Taking more than your prescribed dose of tolterodine can be dangerous.

It's important to get medical advice if you take more than your prescribed dose of tolterodine.

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

You've taken more than your usual dose of tolterodine and you have:

  • a fast or irregular heartbeat
  • a seizure or fit
  • severe breathing problems

Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:

  • you've taken more than your prescribed dose of tolterodine, even if you do not have symptoms

Call 111 or get help from 111 online. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years old.

Information:

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the tolterodine packet or the leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Page last reviewed: 25 March 2025
Next review due: 25 March 2028