Spiriva Handihaler Inhalation Tiotropium Bromide 18mcg 30 Caps

Spiriva, also known as tiotropium bromide, is a widely used medication for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. This drug is presented in the form of an inhalation powder, which facilitates breathing by relaxing the muscles of the airways and increasing their lumen.

Form of release and dosage

Spiriva is available in the form of capsules that contain 18 mcg of tiotropium. It is used with a special device - a handheld digalator Spiriva HandiHaler. This device allows you to inhale the medicine in the form of a powder, which makes the treatment process more convenient and effective. The capsules are not intended to be swallowed, they should be used exclusively with the digalizer.

Spiriva: How to use 

The process of inhalation with Spiriva HandiHaler is quite simple. The capsule is placed in the inhaler, then pierced so that the powder can be released. The medication should be inhaled slowly and deeply so that the active ingredient can be maximally distributed throughout the airways. For best effect, it is important to use Spiriva regularly, without skipping doses. Intermittent use may result in less effective treatment and poorer symptom control.

Spiriva Dosage

Spiriva, whose active ingredient is tiotropium bromide, is an effective treatment for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma. The dosage of Spiriva may vary depending on the specific clinical needs of the patient and the nature of the disease. It is important to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations, as improper dosage may result in a lack of effectiveness of the medication or an increased risk of side effects.

COPD

In case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the standard dosage of Spiriva is one capsule (18 mcg tiotropium) once a day. Regular use helps to relieve symptoms of the disease, such as shortness of breath and wheezing, improving patients' quality of life. Spiriva is not intended to relieve acute asthma or COPD attacks and should be used as maintenance therapy.

Asthma

For patients with asthma, tiotropium bromide is also commonly prescribed at a dosage of 18 mcg once daily. It is important to note that Spiriva is used as an adjunctive treatment to standard anti-asthma therapy and does not replace the use of fast-acting inhalers for acute attacks.

Contraindications of Spiriva

Allergic reactions: The drug is contraindicated for people with known hypersensitivity to tiotropium or any of the drug's excipients. Reactions may include skin rash, itching, swelling, and, in severe cases, anaphylactic shock.

Narrow angle glaucoma: Tiotropium may increase intraocular pressure, making its use risky for patients with unstable or untreated narrow angle glaucoma.

Urinary tract diseases: Particular caution should be exercised in the presence of obstructive urinary tract diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, as Spiriva may aggravate the symptoms of the disease.

Spiriva: side effects

• Dry mouth: This is the most common side effect and can contribute to tooth decay and gum problems.
• Headache and dizziness: These symptoms may be temporary and usually decrease with continued treatment.
• Throat irritation: Some patients may experience irritation or sore throat after inhalation.
• Constipation and difficulty urinating: These symptoms may occur due to the effects of tiotropium on the smooth muscles of the urinary tract.
• Tachycardia: An accelerated heartbeat may occur, especially if the drug is used in high doses or improperly.
• Allergic reactions: Include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and anaphylactic reactions requiring immediate medical attention.
• Worsening of glaucoma symptoms and difficulty urinating: Particularly dangerous in patients with a predisposition to these conditions.

Alternatives and generics to Spiriva

There are alternatives to Spiriva on the market, including other inhaled medications with tiotropium or other active ingredients. Generic versions of Spiriva are also available and may be more affordable. However, consultation with your doctor is necessary before substituting the drug.

Main interactions of Spiriva with other medicines

Anticholinergic drugs: Spiriva belongs to the class of anticholinergic drugs that can increase the effect of other anticholinergic drugs. This can lead to increased side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating, and worsening of glaucoma symptoms.

CYP450 inhibitors and inducers: Tiotropium is metabolized in the body by the CYP450 enzyme system, particularly CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Drugs that inhibit or stimulate these enzymes can affect blood concentrations of tiotropium, potentially altering its efficacy and safety. Examples of such drugs include ketoconazole (inhibitor) and rifampicin (inducer).

Beta-adrenoblockers: Some beta-adrenoblockers may counteract the effects of tiotropium, especially in the treatment of asthma, because tiotropium tends to relax bronchial muscles and beta-blockers may cause them to constrict. Doctors usually avoid using these two types of drugs at the same time unless there are strict indications.

Diuretics and other drugs that cause hypokalemia: Tiotropium can potentially contribute to hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels), which can be exacerbated by taking diuretics or other drugs that cause low potassium levels. This may increase the risk of heart complications.

Purchasing Spiriva

Spiriva can be purchased at most pharmacies, including Mexican pharmacies online, which often offer better prices. The cost of Spiriva may vary by region and the availability of generic versions.

Therapeutic effects of Spiriva

The therapeutic effects of Spiriva begin about 30 minutes after inhalation. The maximum effect is usually seen within the first few hours, and the effects of the drug continue for 24 hours. This makes Spiriva a convenient option for daily use, as it only requires a single inhalation per day.

Spiriva's half-life

The half-life of tiotropium bromide, the active ingredient in Spiriva, is approximately 5–6 days. This indicates that once the drug is discontinued, tiotropium will be gradually eliminated from the body over a period of approximately 25–30 days. The half-life is so long because of the slow kinetics of tiotropium excretion from the lungs and subsequent metabolism and excretion through the kidneys.

Spiriva is an effective treatment for the management of chronic respiratory diseases. However, its use requires strict adherence to the instructions and side effects may occur. Always consult your doctor before starting or changing treatment.