Spiriva Respimat Indications

Spiriva Respimat is a long-term, once-daily prescription medicine used to control of symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It helps relax the airways and keep them open, reducing the likelihood of COPD flare-ups.

Spiriva Respimat Uses and Dosage

Recommended Dosage for COPD:

2 inhalations of Spiriva Respimat 2.5 mcg per actuation once daily

Recommended Dosage for Asthma:

2 inhalations of Spiriva Respimat 1.25 mcg per actuation once daily

To get the full dose of medication, Spiriva Respimat must be taken as two inhalations once daily. It is important not to take more than one dose (2 inhalations) within 24 hours.

Before using the inhaler for the first time, the cartridge should be inserted into the Spiriva Respimat inhaler and the unit primed. When priming the unit, the inhaler should be actuated (put into motion) toward the ground until an aerosol cloud is visible, and this process should be repeated three more times. The unit is then considered primed and ready for use.

If the inhaler has not been used for more than 3 days, it should be actuated once.

If the inhaler has not been used for more than 21 days, it should be primed by actuating until an aerosol cloud is visible, repeating the process three more times.

Spiriva Respimat Side Effects

The most common side effects in patients with COPD include sore throat, cough, dry mouth, and sinus infection. In adult patients with asthma, the most common side effects are sore throat, headache, bronchitis, and sinus infection.

More serious side effects associated with Spiriva Respimat include allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, rash, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty in breathing or swallowing. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical care.

Spiriva Respimat can increase the pressure in your eyes (acute narrow-angle glaucoma), which is associated with eye pain, blurred vision, seeing halos or colored images along with red eyes. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the medication and call your doctor right away.

The side effects observed in adolescent and pediatric patients are comparable to those in adults with asthma.

Spiriva Respimat Precautions

If you are allergic to tiotropium, ipratropium, atropine, or similar drugs, or any ingredient in these medicines, do not use Spiriva Respimat. It is not a rescue medicine and should not be used to treat sudden breathing problems.

Do not spray Spiriva Respimat into your eyes, as this may cause blurred vision or pupil dilation. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medicines you take, including eye drops. Ask the doctor(s) who prescribes your medications if you are taking any anticholinergic medications, because taking these medications with Spiriva Respimat can increase side effects.

Worsening of urinary retention may occur with Spiriva Respimat, and this drug should be used with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction. If you experience any urinary problems, let your doctor know immediately.

Do not swallow Spiriva capsules, and do not use Spiriva Respimat and Spiriva Handihaler together.

Spiriva Respimat Form and Strength

Spiriva Respimat is available in the following strength:

• Respimat inhaler
  • 5 mcg per inhalation

FAQs

How long does it take for Spiriva to get into your lungs?

Following once-daily, 4-week treatment with Spiriva Respimat , maximum tiotropium plasma concentrations were observed 5-7 minutes after inhalation in patients with COPD and asthma.

Can I use Spiriva as a rescue medication?

Spiriva Respimat is a once-daily maintenance bronchodilator that is not intended for acute use and should not be used for immediate relief of breathing problems.

How often should I replace my Spiriva inhaler?

You should use 2 puffs of your inhaler 1 time each day. The scale on your inhaler shows the number of puffs in the inhaler and the dose indicator shows approximately how many puffs remain in your inhaler. When the dose indicator enters the red area of the scale, you need to refill your prescription as soon as possible. When the dose indicator reaches the end of the red scale, your inhaler is empty and automatically locks and the clear base cannot be turned any further.

Resources

1. https://patient.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/products/spiriva/
2. https://content.boehringer-ingelheim.com/DAM/68a8a6b5-4e9a-4508-85d3-af1e01205009/spiriva%20respimat-us-pi.pdf