What is Spiriva?
Spiriva, a bronchodilator, relaxes the muscles of the airways to increase airflow. Spiriva prevents bronchospasm in adults with chronic obstructive lung disease (including bronchitis) and emphysema.
Spiriva Respimat can also be used to prevent asthma attacks among adults and children older than 6 years. Spiriva handihaler should not be used by children.
Warnings
Spiriva capsules are only to be used in the handihaler. Do not swallow the capsule. Only use one capsule at a given time.
Spiriva Respimat Inhalation Spray comes in a carton that contains one aluminum cartridge and one Respimat Inhaler Device. Spiriva Respimat cartridges are only for use with Respimat inhaler devices and should never be used with other Respimat products. Respimat is a gray-colored plastic inhalation device that has a clear base. To insert the cartridge, you must remove the clear base. The inhaler has a dose indicator.
Tell your doctor before using this medication if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma or have an enlarged bladder or prostate. Spiriva prevents bronchospasm. This medication should not be used to treat an existing bronchospasm. This medication will not reverse your symptoms fast enough. To treat an asthma attack, use only inhalation medications that have a rapid-acting effect.
Before you take this drug
Spiriva should not be used if you have an allergy to tiotropium (ipratropium) or atrovent (combivent and duoneb).
Tell your doctor if any of the following apply to ensure that this medicine will be suitable for you:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma;
- Kidney disease
- A milk allergy;
- Urination or prostate problems
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Tiotropium is not known to harm an unborn child. Uncontrolled asthma in pregnancy can cause complications such as premature birth or low birth weight. Treatment of asthma can be beneficial to both mother and baby.
Breast-feeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks. Spiriva Respimat should not be used by children under 6 years of age.
Similar/related drugs
Symbicort, Ventolin, Breo Ellipta, Ventolin HFA, Anoro Ellipta, and Xopenex
How to take Spiriva?
Spiriva should be used exactly as directed by your doctor. This medicine is usually taken twice daily by mouth inhalation. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or extend its use beyond what is suggested.
Spiriva does not work as a rescue medication. Spiriva will not treat COPD flare-ups quickly enough. In order to treat bronchospasm, your doctor may prescribe an inhalation medication that works quickly. If your medication doesn't seem to be working as well, tell your doctor. Read all of the provided information, such as medication guides and instructions. If any queries arise, reach out to your physician or pharmacist for clarification.
Children using Spiriva should be under the supervision of an adult. Spiriva handihaler comes in capsules with an inhaler. To use the medicine, you must load the capsules into the device each time and close the mouthpiece. The capsule will be pierced by pressing the button on the device's side. This will release the medicine into the inhalation chamber. To get the full dosage from 1 capsule, you will need to inhale twice.
The capsules should only be used in the handihaler. Only use one capsule at a given time. Use the handihaler to take only one capsule at a time. Keep the blister packs until you're ready to use the handihaler. After removing the capsule from the blister pack, throw away any capsules that you do not intend to use. The capsule can be damaged by exposure to air.
Spiriva Respimat is available in a cartridge that can be inserted into the special inhaler provided along with this medicine. The medicine will be released into the inhaler by turning the Respimat device base until it clicks. To get the full dose, you will need to use 2 puffs. After 30 doses (or after 60 puffs), the Spiriva Respimat will become locked and unable to be turned. The inhaler's side will display the remaining medicine in the cartridge when it reaches 14 puffs or 7 days.
Your lung function must be checked regularly to ensure that this medication is improving your condition. To get the best results, use this medicine regularly. Refill your prescription before you run out. Keep the Respimat Inhaler and capsules at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Do not freeze. Store capsules away from the handihaler.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—Maintenance:
Hard capsules of Tiotropium powder for inhalation:
Use the handihaler to administer 18 mg orally twice a day.
Tiotropium solution for inhalation
Orally, -5 mcg (two inhalations), once per day
Uses: To treat bronchospasm in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
Adult dose for asthma maintenance:
Orally, -2.5 mcg (2 inhalations each of 1.25 mcg).
Comments:
The maximum benefit in lung function can take as long as 4–8 weeks.
Use: long-term maintenance treatment for asthma
Maintenance dose for asthma in children:
Six years and older
Orally, -2.5 mcg (2 inhalations each of 1.25 mcg).
Comments:
The maximum benefit in lung function can take as long as 4–8 weeks.
Use: long-term maintenance treatment for asthma
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is close to time for your next dose, skip any missed one and never take two of the same medicine at once. Use no more than twice in 24 hours. Refill your prescription before you run out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include stomach pain or confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and red eyes.
What should be avoided?
Avoid getting powder from Spiriva capsules in your eyes. Call your doctor if this happens. Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.
Side effects of Spiriva
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling in your face, lips, or throat, call 911 immediately.
If you experience:
- If you experience wheezing or other breathing problems, discontinue use of this medication.
- Blurred vision, redness or pain in the eyes, and seeing halos around lights are all symptoms of blurred vision.
- Sores, white patches, or sores on the lips or tongue
- You may experience pain or burning after urinating.
- Little or no urinating.
Side effects of Spiriva include:
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Constipation is a painful condition that causes urination.
- Upset stomach;
- Chest pain, rapid heart rate
- Cold symptoms like a stuffy nose or runny Sore throat.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:
- Medicine to treat depression or anxiety;
- Cold or allergy medication (Benadryl and others);
- Medicine to treat Parkinson’s disease
- Medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome
- Medicine to treat overactive urinary bladder
- Asthma medication bronchodilator.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may interact with tiotropium. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
