DETROL LA (tolterodine tartrate)
Detrol LA helps patients with an overactive bladder. It is used to manage symptoms like the sudden, strong need to urinate and the frequent need to go throughout the day. It also treats urge urinary incontinence, which is the accidental loss of urine associated with a strong urge.
How DETROL LA Works
This medication works by competing with acetylcholine to bind with muscarinic receptors, which are the primary triggers for bladder contractions. After it is processed by the liver, it forms an active metabolite that also targets these receptors with high specificity. By blocking these signals, the drug helps control the muscle activity responsible for bladder emptying.
Development Insights
Details
- Status
- Prescription
- First Approved
- 2000-12-22
- Routes
- ORAL
- Dosage Forms
- CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE
DETROL LA Approval History
What DETROL LA Treats
2 indicationsDETROL LA is approved for 2 conditions since its original approval in 2000. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.
- Overactive Bladder
- Urge Urinary Incontinence
DETROL LA Competitive Set
ProThree rings of competition based on shared molecular targets and treated indications.
Direct competitors
Same target(s) AND same indication — head-to-head.
Indication competitors
Same indication, different mechanism — what else might this patient receive?
Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.
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Clinical Trial Registry
3 trials| Trial | Sponsor ID | Phase | Status | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT01521767 | A6121196 | Ph 1 | completed | Pharmacokinetics and Relative Bioavailability Study |
| NCT02436889 TRIUMPH results posted | 14-15553 | Ph 4 | completed | Treatment of Incontinence Without Memory Problems |
| NCT00768521 results posted | 0000-107 2008_560 | Ph 1 | completed | A Study to Test the Effects of Tolterodine Tartrate in Patients With Overactive Bladder (0000-107) |
Active Pipeline
Ongoing clinical trials by development phase
Key Completed Trials
Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance
Trial Timeline
Full development history with FDA approval milestones
Understanding FDA Approval Types
| Count | Type | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| - | ORIG | Original approval - drug first enters market |
| - | SUPPL - Efficacy | New indication (new disease/condition approved) |
| - | SUPPL - Labeling | Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates) |
| - | SUPPL - Manufacturing | Production changes (new facility) |
| - | SUPPL - Chemistry | Formulation changes (new dosage strength) |
Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.
DETROL LA FDA Label Details
Indications & Usage
FDA Label (PDF)DETROL LA is indicated for the treatment of Overactive Bladder; Urge Urinary Incontinence.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.
How We Calculate These Metrics
Trial Activity Stage
Measures the current development activity pattern based on trial phases, status, and trends. Important: This measures R&D activity, not commercial lifecycle.
Trial statuses: "Active" means recruiting or ongoing. "Completed" means reached planned endpoint. "Terminated" means stopped early—often due to safety, efficacy, or business reasons.
- Growth: High proportion of early-phase trials (Phase 1/2), active development
- Expansion: Significant Phase 3 activity, approaching or pursuing approvals
- Mature: Substantial Phase 4 post-marketing studies
- Stable: Mixed phase distribution, steady development
- Declining: Low active trial ratio, reduced R&D investment