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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)

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Tolterodine

(Detrol)

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Summary for Vesicare

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.

Indications for Vesicare

Pros and Cons for Vesicare

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

Common Side Effects for Vesicare

  • Dry mouth (up to 28% in adults, 8% in children)
  • Constipation (up to 13% in adults, 3% in children)

Warnings for Vesicare

  • 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)

Summary for Detrol

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 for Detrol

Pros and Cons for Detrol

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 for Detrol

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 for Detrol

  • 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 Vesicare vs. Detrol

Price Card Drug Icon
Solifenacin30 tablets / 10mg
$15.92$276.06
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Tolterodine60 tablets / 2mg
$25.57$203.81
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