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Compare Vesicare vs. Detrol

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

Key takeaways

Solifenacin (Vesicare) and tolterodine (Detrol) are both medications used to treat overactive bladder (OAB), but they have some differences. Solifenacin (Vesicare) is an anticholinergic and antimuscarinic medication that relaxes bladder muscles and is taken once daily. It is available in both tablet and liquid forms, with the liquid form being more expensive. Tolterodine (Detrol), on the other hand, is a urinary antispasmodic that also relaxes bladder muscles but comes in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) forms. The IR form is taken twice a day, while the ER form is taken once a day. Both medications can cause dry mouth and may also be linked to memory issues and dementia with long-term use. Neither medication may be the best option for people over age 65 years due to the risk of dizziness and drowsiness, which can lead to falls. Both medications should be used cautiously if you have certain medical conditions like narrow-angle glaucoma or urinary retention.

  • Solifenacin (Vesicare)
    Tolterodine (Detrol)
  • Solifenacin (Vesicare)
    Tolterodine (Detrol)

  • Summary of Vesicare vs. Detrol

    Summary for Anticholinergic
    Prescription only

    Solifenacin succinate, also known by the brand name Vesicare, is an anticholinergic medication that's used to treating certain bladder problems. The brand-name and generic tablets help treat overactive bladder in adults. A liquid suspension under the brand name Vesicare LS is also available for children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) (urinary incontinence due to a neurologic problem). This medication is taken by mouth once per day. The most common side effects are dry mouth and constipation.

    Summary for Urinary antispasmodic
    Prescription only

    Tolterodine (Detrol) is used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, such as loss of bladder control and the need to go to the restroom suddenly or often. This medication can commonly cause dry mouth, but other side effects can include headache, dizziness, and constipation. There are immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) versions of tolterodine (Detrol). Both formulations are available as brand-name and generic-name medications. Tolterodine (Detrol) can interact with anticholinergics, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

  • Indications of Vesicare vs. Detrol

    Indications for
    •Overactive bladder in adults - tablets only
    •Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) (urinary incontinence due to a neurologic problem) in children ages 2 years and older - liquid only
    Indications for
    •Overactive bladder (OAB)

  • Pros and Cons of Vesicare vs. Detrol

    Pros and Const for Anticholinergic
    Pros
    •Only taken once per day, with or without food
    •Comes as a tablet and a liquid suspension
    •Liquid suspension available for children as young as 2 years old
    Cons
    •Commonly causes dry mouth
    •Liquid suspension is brand name only
    •Not a good option for people who have trouble urinating or certain gut problems
    Pros and Const for Urinary antispasmodic
    Pros
    •Works well for OAB symptoms by helping you control your urge to urinate
    •Causes less dry mouth than oxybutynin
    •Extended-release version is taken only once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic version
    Cons
    •Can raise your risk for falls because it can make you feel drowsy or dizzy
    •Can cause severe dry mouth and constipation
    •Can't use if you have an allergy to Toviaz (fesoterodine), which is another OAB medication

  • Common Side Effects of Vesicare vs. Detrol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (up to 28% in adults, 8% in children)
    •Constipation (up to 13% in adults, 3% in children)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (up to 35%)
    •Headache (up to 7%)
    •Constipation (up to 7%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 5%)
    •Dizziness or feeling like your surroundings are spinning (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Vesicare vs. Detrol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling of the face and possible breathing problems (angioedema)
    •Side effects related to the nervous system
    •Caution in people with digestive system problems
    •Caution in people with glaucoma
    •QT prolongation (heart rhythm problem)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Unusual swelling of the face, lips, or throat (angioedema)
    •Dizziness and drowsiness
    •Vision changes
    •Trouble urinating and stomach problems
    •Possible higher risk of side effects in people with liver and kidney problems
    •Caution use in people with myasthenia gravis
    •Caution use in people with heart rhythm problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Vesicare vs. Detrol

    Learn more about Solifenacin
    Learn more about Tolterodine

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