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Compare Ditropan XL vs. Detrol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Oxybutynin ER (Ditropan XL) and Tolterodine (Detrol) are both used to treat overactive bladder (OAB), but they have some differences. Both Oxybutynin ER and tolterodine are available in both short-acting and long-acting forms. Oxybutynin ER can be taken as a tablet, patch, or gel, whereas Tolterodine is only available as an oral medication. Oxybutynin ER tends to cause more dry mouth compared to Tolterodine, but some studies suggest it might be more effective in controlling OAB symptoms. Tolterodine is less likely to cause dry mouth but can still lead to dizziness and constipation. Both medications can cause drowsiness and should be used carefully in older adults due to the risk of falls. If you have liver or kidney problems, your provider might adjust your dose of Tolterodine, but Oxybutynin ER is not recommended for people with certain stomach or urinary conditions.

  • Oxybutynin
    Tolterodine (Detrol)
  • Oxybutynin
    Tolterodine (Detrol)

  • Summary of Ditropan XL vs. Detrol

    Summary for Urinary antispasmodic
    Prescription only

    Oxybutynin is used to treat overactive bladder (OAB). Oral oxybutynin is available as a short-acting tablet and solution that is taken 2 to 4 times a day. It also comes as a long-acting tablet that's taken once daily (brand name Ditropan XL). Some common side effects of oxybutynin include dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness. Older adults typically lower doses of this medication to lower the risk for side effects.

    Summary for Anticholinergic
    Prescription only

    Tolterodine (Detrol) is used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) in adults. It's an anticholinergic medication that helps with bladder control to lessen the need to go to the restroom suddenly or often. The immediate-release tablet (Detrol) is taken by mouth twice a day. There's also an extended-release capsule (Detrol LA) that's taken just once a day. Both formulations come in brand-name and generic-name versions. Tolterodine (Detrol) can commonly cause dry mouth. Other side effects can include headache and constipation.

  • Indications of Ditropan XL vs. Detrol

    Indications for
    •Overactive bladder
    •Incontinence in children due to a neurologic (brain) condition, such as spina bifida
    Indications for
    •Overactive bladder (OAB)

  • Pros and Cons of Ditropan XL vs. Detrol

    Pros and Const for Urinary antispasmodic
    Pros
    •Works well to improve symptoms of OAB
    •Available as a convenient, once-daily tablet (Ditropan XL)
    •Can be used in children as young as 5 years old
    •Available as an oral liquid, good for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    Cons
    •Commonly causes dry mouth as a side effect
    •Higher risk of side effects in people age 65 and older
    •Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
    •Shouldn't be used by people who have untreated narrow-angle glaucoma, difficulty urinating, or movement problems with the stomach or intestines
    Pros and Const for Anticholinergic
    Pros
    •Works well to help lessen your urge to urinate
    •Might cause less dry mouth than oxybutynin
    •Also available in an extended-release version that's taken only once a day
    Cons
    •Can cause uncomfortable dry mouth and constipation
    •Can make you feel sleepy or dizzy, which can raise your risk of falls
    •Can't take if you have an allergy to another OAB medication called Toviaz (fesoterodine)

  • Common Side Effects of Ditropan XL vs. Detrol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (up to 71%)
    •Dizziness (up to 17%)
    •Constipation (up to 15%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 14%)
    •Nausea (up to 12%)
    •Blurry vision (up to 10%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablets:

    •Dry mouth (35%)
    •Headache (7%)
    •Constipation (7%)
    •Stomach pain (5%)
    •Dizziness or feeling like you're spinning (5%)

    Extended-release capsules:

    •Dry mouth (23%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Constipation (6%)
    •Stomach pain (4%)

  • Warnings of Ditropan XL vs. Detrol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling of face, lips, tongue (angioedema)
    •Hallucinations, drowsiness, and confusion
    •Worsening of other conditions
    •Heat exhaustion
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reaction and swelling (angioedema)
    •Dizziness and drowsiness
    •Caution use in people with narrow-angle glaucoma
    •Caution use in people with trouble urinating
    •Caution use in people with problems causing gut blockage
    •Caution use in people with myasthenia gravis
    •Caution use in people with certain heart rhythm problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Ditropan XL vs. Detrol

    Learn more about Oxybutynin
    Learn more about Tolterodine

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