Indications
Spiriva Respimat, also known as Tiotropium Bromide, is a prescription medicine used as a long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in adults. The active ingredient in Spiriva Respimat is tiotropium bromide. It is a long-acting bronchodilator that helps open the airways by relaxing and widening them, allowing for easier breathing.
Spiriva Respimat is available as an inhalation spray and is intended as a maintenance treatment, not as a rescue medication for sudden symptoms. It can be used as a maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 12 years of age and older.
Uses and Dosage
Spiriva comes in the form of a Respimat inhaler to be taken orally usually as 2 sprays once daily. Ensure your lips are tightly sealed around the mouthpiece when using the inhaler and rinse your mouth to prevent dry mouth and throat irritation. Wait for at least 1 minute between the uses of other inhalers and use the medication at the same time each day to get the maximum benefit from it.
The recommended dosage for patients with COPD is 2 inhalations of Spiriva Respimat 2.5 mcg per actuation once daily, which equals a total dose of 5 mcg. For asthma patients, the recommended dosage is 2 inhalations of Spiriva Respimat 1.25 mcg per actuation once daily, which equals a total dose of 2.5 mcg. Do not exceed 2 sprays within 24 hours and avoid getting the inhaler in your eyes to avoid eye pain, temporary blurred vision, or other vision changes.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Spiriva Respimat (Tiotropium):
- Arm, back, or jaw pain
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Chest tightness or heaviness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Trouble breathing
Serious Side Effects of Spiriva Respimat (Tiotropium):
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty urinating
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Fever
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Indigestion
- Non-specific chest pain
- Oral thrush
- Runny nose
- Sinus infection (sinusitis)
- Sore throat
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Urinary retention
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Form and strength
Spiriva Respimat (Tiotropium) is available in the following forms and strengths:
Spiriva Respimat: Respimat Inhaler
- 2.5 mcg
Caution
- If you are allergic to tiotropium, ipratropium, atropine, or similar drugs, or any ingredient in these medicines, then do not use Spiriva Respimat.
- Spiriva Respimat should not be used for treating sudden breathing problems, as it is not a rescue medicine. If you experience sudden breathing problems, your doctor may recommend other medication to use.
- Spiriva Respimat may cause allergic reactions such as raised red patches on your skin (hives), itching, rash, and/or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the medicine and seek immediate medical attention.
- Spiriva Respimat may also cause bronchospasm, which can cause a sudden worsening of your breathing. If this happens, stop taking Spiriva Respimat, use your rescue inhaler, and contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention.
- Spiriva Respimat may increase the pressure in your eyes, which can cause symptoms such as eye pain, blurred vision, and seeing halos or colored images. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Spiriva Respimat and contact your doctor.
- Dizziness and blurred vision may also occur with Spiriva Respimat, so use caution when operating machinery or driving a car.
- Spiriva Respimat may also cause new or worsened urinary retention, which can lead to symptoms such as difficulty passing urine and painful urination. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor right away.
- Do not spray Spiriva Respimat into your eyes or take it together with anticholinergic medicines, as it can increase side effects. Make sure to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including eye drops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take for Spiriva Respimat to start working?
It can take a few days to a few weeks to start feeling the full effects of Spiriva Respimat. Continue using it as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if you do not feel immediate relief.
How should I store Spiriva Respimat?
Spiriva Respimat should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep the inhaler in its protective case when not in use.
Can Spiriva Respimat be used during an asthma attack?
No, Spiriva Respimat should not be used to quickly relieve symptoms during an asthma attack. It is used as a maintenance treatment to help prevent symptoms from occurring.
Can Spiriva Respimat be used with other inhalers?
Yes, Spiriva Respimat can be used with other inhalers as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Spiriva Respimat?
If you miss a dose of Spiriva Respimat, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
Resources
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/207070s000lbl.pdf
- https://patient.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/products/spiriva/asthma/how-to-use-spiriva-respimat
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-164818/spiriva-respimat-inhalation/details
- https://www.drugs.com/dosage/spiriva-respimat.html
- https://www.rxlist.com/spiriva-respimat-side-effects-drug-center.htm
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