Tiotropium is a drug to control and prevent recurrence of symptoms of narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm) due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. It should be noted that this medication cannot be used to relieve sudden attacks of bronchospasm.
Tiotropium is an anticholinergic class of bronchodilators . This drug works to relax the muscles of the respiratory tract. That way the respiratory tract can widen and air can flow more smoothly.
When combined with inhaled corticosteroid drugs ( inhaled corticosteroids / ICS) or long-acting beta agonists ( long-acting beta agonists / LABA), these drugs are also used to relieve and prevent the appearance of asthma symptoms.
Tiotropium trademarks: Spiriva, Spiriva Respimat, Spiolto Respimat
What is Tiotropium
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Anticholinergic bronchodilators |
| Benefit | Control and prevent symptoms of wheezing, coughing , and shortness of breath, due to asthma or COPD |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Tiotropium for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. It is not known whether tiotropium passes into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine. |
| Drug form | inhalers |
Precautions Before Using Tiotropium
Tiotropium should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Before using tiotropium there are a number of things you should pay attention to, namely:
- Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Tiotropium should not be given to patients who are allergic to it, atropine , or ipratropium.
- Tell your doctor if you have had or currently have glaucoma , enlarged prostate gland , heart rhythm disturbances ( arrhythmias ), or kidney disease .
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking tiotropium before having surgery, including dental surgery.
- Carry out routine controls and checks according to the doctor's recommendations while you are undergoing treatment with tiotropium.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking tiotropium, because this drug can cause dizziness.
- Immediately see a doctor if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects, or an overdose after using tiotropium.
Dosage and Rules for Use Tiotropium
The dose of tiotropium will be adjusted according to the condition and age of the patient. The following is a general tiotropium dosage based on its intended use:
Purpose: Relieve or prevent recurrence of narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm) caused by COPD
Medication form: Inhaler
- Adults: Two puffs equal to 5 mcg per day.
Purpose: Prevent recurrence of asthma
Medication form: Inhaler
- Adults and children over 6 years: Two puffs equal to 2.5 mcg per day.
How to Use Tiotropium Properly
Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the information printed on the drug packaging before using tiotropium. Do not increase or decrease your dose without consulting your doctor first.
Tiotropium in the form of an inhaler that is used for the first time needs to be sprayed into the air 3 times, before being inhaled according to the doctor's recommended dose.
Hold the inhaler upright and rotate it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks. Exhale slowly, then insert the inhaler mouthpiece between your teeth and close your mouth.
Start breathing slowly through your mouth while pressing down on the dose button to inhale the medicine. Hold your breath and remove the inhaler from your mouth, then exhale into the air after at least 5 seconds have passed. Do this one more time, because inhalers are usually sprayed 2 times at almost the same time.
If you need to use a different inhaler, wait until 1 minute has passed before using that medication. After using the medication, rinse your mouth with water to prevent dry mouth and throat irritation.
If you forget to use tiotropium, do it immediately if the break with the next usage schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.
Store tiotropium in its package in a dry and cool place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Tiotropium Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are drug interaction effects that can occur when tiotropium is used with certain drugs:
- Increased risk of serious side effects when used with inhaled umeclidinium bromide or vilanterol
- Increased risk of impaired bowel movement when used with glucagon or pramlintide
- Enhanced anticholinergic effect of tiotropium when used with revefenacin
- Increased risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or blurred vision, when used with antihistamines , such as brompheniramine, hydroxyzine, or chlorpheniramine
Tiotropium Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that can arise after using this drug are:
- Dry mouth
- Constipation or constipation
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting or stomach pain
- Flu symptoms, such as a stuffy nose
- Painful white rash in the mouth
Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above do not subside or are getting worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Chest pain or fast heart rate
- Changed voice
- Difficult and painful urination
- Headache, fever , or signs of infection, including sore throat
- Red eyes, blurred vision that doesn't improve, eye pain, or seeing halos (halos)