Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Tiotropium belongs to a group of medications known as bronchodilators, and is prescribed to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Its primary purpose is to alleviate symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness by relaxing and widening the air passages that lead to the lungs, thus improving breathing.
Uses and Dosage
Tiotropium is administered through a specialized inhaler that contains dry powder capsules. It is typically used once a day in either the morning or evening, it should be inhaledt at around the same time each day.
To ensure proper use, carefully follow the directions on your prescription label, and seek clarification from your doctor or pharmacist if any part is unclear. Do not inhale more or less than directed or more frequently than prescribed.
Never swallow the tiotropium capsules, and only use the inhaler provided to inhale the dry powder contained within.
Do not attempt to use any other inhaler or take any other medication with the tiotropium inhaler.
Tiotropium should not be used to treat sudden attacks of wheezing or shortness of breath. Instead, your doctor may prescribe a different medication for such situations.
Although tiotropium helps manage COPD symptoms, it does not cure the condition. It may take several weeks before you experience the full benefits of tiotropium, so continue taking it as prescribed even if you feel better. Do not discontinue the medication without first consulting with your doctor.
When using tiotropium, be cautious not to let the powder get into your eyes, as it may cause blurred vision and sensitivity to light. If this happens, contact your doctor immediately.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- dry mouth
- constipation
- stomach pain
- vomiting
- indigestion
- muscle pain
- nosebleed
- runny nose
- sneezing
- painful white patches in mouth
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- hives
- skin rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- chest pain
- sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
- headaches or other signs of a sinus infection
- painful or difficult urination
- fast heart beat
- eye pain
- blurred vision
- seeing halos around lights or seeing colored images
- red eyes
Caution
Prior to using tiotropium, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, ipratropium, atropine, other belladonna-type drugs, or have any other allergies. The medication may contain inactive components, such as milk proteins, which can trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
Share your medical history, especially kidney disease, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), or difficulty urinating, with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication.
Tiotropium may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Drinking alcohol or using marijuana may intensify these side effects. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you can do so safely.
Older adults may be more susceptible to this drug’s side effects, particularly dry mouth and constipation.
Men of advanced age may also face a higher risk of difficulty urinating while taking this medication.
If you are pregnant, use tiotropium only if it’s clearly needed, and discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known if this medication is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Spiriva is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
tiotropium rotacaps:
- 18mcg
FAQ
How long does Spiriva get into your lungs?
Spiriva begins to act within 30 minutes after use and the effect should last a full day.
What’s the best time of day to take Spiriva?
Any time of day, so choose a time that is most convenient for you.
Resources
- https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/s/spiriva.pdf
- https://www.goodrx.com/spiriva-handihaler/what-is
- https://medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/spiriva
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-89062/spiriva-with-handihaler-inhalation/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604018.html
- https://www.drugs.com/spiriva.html
