Generic Spiriva

Spiriva is a brand name for the generic drug tiotropium bromide inhalation powder. It is administered in an inhaler called the Spiriva HandiHaler, into which capsules are emptied, and is intended only for oral inhalation. It is intended to be used once a day for the prevention of bronchospasm, the narrowing of the airways in the lungs, associated with COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which also includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

The most common side effect reported with the use of Spiriva is dry mouth. This effect is usually mild and goes away after you have been using Spiriva for a while. Other common side effects include constipation, increased heart rate, sinus infections, blurred vision, glaucoma, and difficulty urinating. Other rare side effects include arthritis, coughing, and flu-like symptoms, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, rash, yeast infections of the mouth, intestinal blackages, leg pain, hoarseness, numbness or tingling of the skin, gastric reflux, increased cholesterol, chest pains, depression, laryngitis, herpes zoster, and cataracts. In addition, the occurrences of dry mouth, constipation, and urinary tract infections increase with the patient’s age. In rare cases, Spiriva has been associated with the development of narrow-angle glaucoma. If you develop eye pain, eye discomfort, blurred vision, visual halos around objects, color distortion, or redness of the eyes, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

It is important to remember that Spiriva is not intended to be used as a rescue medication; that is, it is not for use when you are experiencing a bronchospasm attack. It is only intended to be used to prevent such attacks. In addition, it is important to put the powder in the HandiHaler properly; getting powder in the air could cause it to get in your eyes, causing burning, blurring, and dilation of your pupils. If this happens, flush your eyes out with cold water and contact your doctor as soon as you can. Never swallow the capsules; they are intended to be inhaled. You should talk to your doctor before taking Spiriva if you have experienced allergies to other medications such as Atrovent or Combivent, if you already have narrow-angle glaucoma, if you have kidney disease, prostate enlargement or difficulty urinating.

Some medications should not be used at the same time as Spiriva. Talk to your doctor if you are taking Atrovent, Combivent, Bentyl, Pro-Banthine, Cantil, Pamine, or Transderm-Scop. You may not be able to take Spiriva along with these, or you may be given a special dosage or be monitored especially carefully. You should also tell your doctor if you are taking any herbal or over-the-counter medications, as these also can affect the way Spiriva is processed.

Spiriva is in Pregnancy Category C, which means it is not known whether it will be harmful to a developing fetus or to a pregnancy. It has also not been established whether Spiriva passes into breast milk. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a baby, be sure to discuss your treatment with your doctor.