Spiriva Respimat (Tiotropium)
Spiriva Respimat (Tiotropium) Dosage and Side Effects
Doctors prescribe SPIRIVA for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Proper Use of this medication
SPIRIVA Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Missed Dose of SPIRIVA
If you miss a dose of SPIRIVA, inhale it as soon as you remember.
However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule.
Don't double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
Warnings and Precautions
This medicine is not fast-acting and shouldn't be used to relieve sudden breathing problems. If you experience shortness of breath or wheezing, use a quick-relief inhaler.
Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Don't stop taking SPIRIVA without first talking to your doctor.
Your doctor will probably want to test your lung function frequently while you take SPIRIVA. Make sure you keep all appointments with your healthcare provider.
Before using SPIRIVA, tell your doctor if you have:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma (an eye condition)
- Kidney disease
- An enlarged prostate or problems with urination
- An irregular heartbeat
Also, let your physician know if you're allergic to milk before taking this medicine.
Try to avoid getting the powder from a SPIRIVA capsule in your eyes. Call your doctor if this happens.
Tell your doctor that you're taking this medicine before having any type of surgery, including a dental procedure.
Don't give SPIRIVA to a child without first talking to a doctor.
Pregnancy and SPIRIVA
It's not known whether SPIRIVA can harm an unborn baby.
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using this medication.
It's also not known whether SPIRIVA can pass into breast milk or harm a breastfeeding baby. Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding before taking this drug.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of SPIRIVA
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Fast heart rate
- Constipation
- Painful or difficult urination
- Upset stomach or indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Cold symptoms, including stuffy nose, sinus pain, runny nose, or sore throat
Serious Side Effects of SPIRIVA
Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
- Wheezing, choking, or any other breathing problems after use
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain or eye redness
- Seeing halos around lights
- Sores or white patches on the mouth, lips, or tongue
- Little or no urination
- Chest pain
- Severe pain or burning when you urinate
- Hoarseness
- Signs of an allergic reaction, which may include hives, skin rash, itching, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the face, tongue, throat, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Interactions with this medication
Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking, especially:
- Amiodarone (Cordarone)
- Antihistamines
- Any medications for irritable bowel disease, motion sickness, depression, high blood pressure, Parkinson's disease, ulcers, muscle spasms, or urinary problems
- Atropine (AtroPen)
- Cisapride (Propulsid)
- Disopyramide (Norpace)
- Dofetilide (Tikosyn)
- Erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin)
- Eye drops
- Ipratropium (Atrovent)
- Moxifloxacin (Avelox)
- Pimozide (Orap)
- Procainamide (Procanbid, Pronestyl)
- Quinidine (Quinidex)
- Sotalol (Betapace)
- Sparfloxacin (Zagam)
- Thioridazine (Mellaril)
SPIRIVA and Other Interactions
SPIRIVA may cause blurred vision and dizziness.
Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
SPIRIVA and Alcohol
Consuming alcohol can increase your risk of experiencing certain side effects.
Limit the amount of alcoholic beverages you drink while taking SPIRIVA. Talk to your doctor about this possible interaction.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
