Spiriva is a long-acting bronchodilator, which works by opening the airways making it easier to breathe. It is used for patients suffering from COPD.
You must not use Spiriva if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, are suffering from glaucoma, prostate problems, difficulty in passing urine, kidney problems or if you have suffered from a myocardial infarction. Spiriva also contains lactose, avoid it if you are intolerant towards some sugars.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you are taking any other medicines.
Spiriva is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Spiriva may result in some side effects, such as dry mouth. Other side effects include; - Dizziness - Headache - Taste disorders - Difficulty in passing urine of Painful urination - Fungal infections of throat and oral cavity - Constipation - Heart burn - Hoarseness - Sore throat - Skin rash - Irregular heartbeat - Blurred vision
If you experience severe side effects such as allergic reactions causing swelling of the face or throat, tightness of the chest, coughing, wheezing or breathlessness, consult your doctor immediately.
Spiriva must be taken as advised by the doctor.
The recommended dose is to inhale the contents on 1 18 microgram capsule, once a day. You must try to take the capsule at the same time every day, as one capsule is effective for 24 hours.
The capsules are only for inhalation and must not be swallowed orally. Avoid the powder from entering your eyes, it may cause blurry vision, pain or redness.
If you inhale more than 1 capsule in a day, consult your doctor immediately. If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember, but do not take two doses at the same time or same day. Consult your doctor before you stop taking Spiriva.
The active ingredient tiotropium, is a anticholinergic bronchodilator. It works by opening the airways to make it easier to breathe.
It blocks receptors found on the muscle surrounding the airways, blockin the action of chemicals that cause the muscles to contract and airways to narrow. This allows the muscles to relax and airways to open.
Spiriva is taken using an inhaler, allowing it to act directly in the lungs.
