Spiriva

Generic Name: Tiotropium Bromide
Product Name: Spiriva

Indication

Spiriva is a long term maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Action

Spiriva acts by promoting relaxation of airway muscle tone.

Dose advice

Recommended dosage

Inhale contents of 1 capsule via HandiHaler device once daily with or without food.

Precautions

You should advise your doctor if you have the following medical conditions:

• Kidney failure
• Liver problems
• Glaucoma
• Prostate enlargement
• Bladder neck obstruction
• Use in pregnancy and lactation

There are no adequate studies to support the use of Spiriva in pregnant and breastfeeding women (Category B1). It should only be considered if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Schedule

Spiriva is a Schedule 4 medication.

Common side effects

You may experience the following side effects while using Spiriva. They have relatively common occurrences:

• Dry mouth (16%);
• Constipation (3.5%);
• Throat irritation (8.9%);
• Urinary retention (> 1%);
• Urinary difficulty (> 1%);
• Cough (4.7%).

Uncommon side effects

The following side effects are relatively rare (< 1%) but may be potentially serious. You should seek medical attention if they occur:

• Hoarseness;
• Nose bleed;
• Hives;
• Itching;
• Dizziness;
• Tachycardia;
• Atrial fibrillation.

If you experience any of the listed side effects, or any other symptoms that appear abnormal or unusual, please tell your doctor.

References

1. Tiotropium [online]. Adelaide, SA: Australian Medicines Handbook; July 2009 [cited cited 30 October 2007]. Available from: URL link
2. Spiriva [online]. St Leonards, NSW: MIMS Online; 2003 [cited 30 October 2007]. Available from: URL link

For further information talk to your doctor.