Indications
Spiriva is a prescription medication designed to help individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma manage their symptoms. It contains an active ingredient called tiotropium bromide, which belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. This medication works differently than other COPD treatments by keeping the airways open and reducing mucus build-up in the lungs.
How Spiriva Works
- Tiotropium Bromide: The active ingredient, tiotropium bromide, is a long-acting bronchodilator.
- Mechanism: It helps to keep the airways open and decreases mucus production, improving breathing.
Benefits
- Symptom Prevention: Spiriva is used to prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness.
- Conditions Treated: It is effective for patients with COPD, including conditions such as chronic bronchitis (swelling of the air passages leading to the lungs) and emphysema (damage to air sacs in the lungs).
Regular Use
- Consistency: Tiotropium bromide must be used regularly to prevent symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath.
- Long-Acting: As a long-acting bronchodilator, it provides sustained relief from COPD symptoms.
Uses and Dosage
Spiriva is available as an inhaler, HandiHaler, and Rotacaps. Here are some important tips for using Spiriva effectively:
Using the Inhaler
- Avoid Eye Contact: Be careful not to get the medication in your eyes, as it can cause pain, irritation, temporary blurred vision, and other vision changes.
- Proper Technique: When using the inhaler, place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece to ensure the medication is delivered correctly.
- Follow Doctor's Instructions: Always use Spiriva as directed by your doctor.
Dosage
- Typical Dosage: The usual dosage is 2 sprays once daily.
- Do Not Exceed: Do not inhale more than 2 sprays in 24 hours.
Test Sprays
- First-Time Use: If you are using the inhaler for the first time, follow the instructions for test sprays in the air.
- Infrequent Use: Also perform test sprays if you haven’t used the inhaler for more than 3 days or more than 21 days.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Spiriva (Tiotropium bromide):
- Constipation
- Cough
- Difficulty passing urine.
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Nosebleed
- Painful white patches in mouth
- Runny nose
- Sinus infection
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Upper respiratory tract infection
Serious Side Effects of Spiriva (Tiotropium bromide):
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Eye pain
- Fast heart beat
- Headaches or other signs of a sinus infection
- Hives
- Hoarseness
- Itching
- Painful or difficult urination
- Red eyes
- Seeing halos around lights or seeing colored images
- Skin rash
- Sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Form and Strength
Spiriva (Tiotropium bromide) is available in the following forms and strength:
Spiriva: Rotacaps
- 18 mcg
Tiotropium bromide: Rotacaps
- 18 mcg
Caution
- Do not use Spiriva if you are allergic to tiotropium or any of the components of the product.
- Be cautious if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, urinary retention, or prostate enlargement, as Spiriva may worsen these conditions.
- Use with caution if you have severe kidney problems.
- Spiriva may interact with other medications. Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking before starting Spiriva.
- Side effects may include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, difficulty passing urine, or allergic reactions. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
- Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does Spiriva work?
Spiriva works by relaxing the smooth muscles around the airways, which helps to improve breathing in people with COPD and asthma.
What is tiotropium bromide?
Tiotropium bromide is the active ingredient in Spiriva. It is a type of medication known as an anticholinergic, which works by relaxing the muscles in the airways.
Can Spiriva be used for asthma?
Yes, Spiriva can be used to treat asthma in adults.
How is Spiriva usually taken?
Spiriva is generally taken through an inhaler, but the specific instructions for use may vary depending on the type of Spiriva prescribed. It is important to follow the dosage and administration instructions provided by a healthcare provider.
Resources
- FDA: Tiotropium Bromide Inhalation Powder
[https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/psg/tiotropium%20bromide_inhalation%20powder_nda%20021395_rc10-17.pdf] - DailyMed: Tiotropium Bromide
[https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=820839ef-e53d-47e8-a3b9-d911ff92e6a9] - MedlinePlus: Tiotropium
[https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604018.html] - WebMD: Tiotropium Inhalation Details
[https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-89061-1655/tiotropium-bromide-inhalation/tiotropium-inhalation/details] - Drugs.com: Spiriva
[https://www.drugs.com/spiriva.html]
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