Spiriva

Common use

Spiriva is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs. Spiriva is used to prevent bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways in the lungs) in adults with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), including bronchitis and emphysema. Spiriva Respimat is also used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.

Dosage and direction

Use Spiriva exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dose of this medicine is 2 inhalations through the mouth once daily. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Spiriva HandiHaler is packaged in capsules that come with a special inhaler device. Each time you use the medicine, load a capsule into the device and click the mouthpiece closed. Push the button on the side of the device to pierce the capsule and release the medicine into the inhalation chamber. You will need 2 inhalations to get the full dose from 1 capsule. Do not take the capsule by mouth. Spiriva capsules are for use only in the HandiHaler device. Use only 1 capsule at a time. Do not use the HandiHaler device to take any other medicine.

Precautions

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: narrow-angle glaucoma; kidney disease; a milk allergy; or an enlarged prostate or urination problems.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether tiotropium will harm an unborn baby. However, the benefit of treating asthma may outweigh any risks to the baby.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Contraindications

A Spiriva capsule is for use only in the HandiHaler device. Do not take the capsule by mouth. Use only one capsule at a time.
You should not use Spiriva if you are allergic to tiotropium or ipratropium (Atrovent, Combivent, DuoNeb).
Spiriva Respimat is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Spiriva: hives, itching; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have: wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medicine; blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights; sores or white patches on your mouth, lips, or tongue; pain or burning when you urinate; or little or no urinating.
Common Spiriva side effects may include: dry mouth; blurred vision; constipation, painful urination; upset stomach; chest pain, fast heart rate; or cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sinus pain, sore throat.

Drug interaction

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: medicine to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness; cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others); medicine to treat Parkinson's disease; medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome; medicine to treat overactive bladder; or bronchodilator asthma medication.

Missed dose

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time. Do not use more than two times in a 24-hour period.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, eye redness, constipation, stomach pain, and confusion or drowsiness.

Storage

Store both the capsules and the Respimat inhaler at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Do not store capsules in the HandiHaler device. Keep away from children and pets.