The anticholinergic medicine Spiriva Respimat (Tiotropium) is given to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It works by relaxing the muscles within the airways, which makes it easier to breathe.

Spiriva Respimat may be prescribed by your doctor to treat your condition and is available by prescription only.

At Pharmacy,  you can buy Spiriva online manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim.

To learn more about Spiriva Respimat, read: Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings and Precautions, and Interactions.

It important to note that Spiriva are for oral inhalation use only.

Spiriva, and Spiriva generic versions, is taken once daily by inhaling the dose through the Handihaler inhalation device. The Handihaler is unique to Spiriva to ensure that the dosage is properly taken. Typically the Handihaler can be used for up to one year before it is recommended to replace with a new device. It is best to inhale the Spiriva capsule at the same time each day.

Take your medication as directed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you remember your missed dose close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking your remaining doses on time. Do not take more than one dose at a time to make up for a missed dose. In  the case of an overdose, contact the emergency room or the  poison control center.

Spiriva Respimat (Tiotropium) Side Effects

Common side effects of Spiriva (Tiotropium) include:

• Cold symptoms
• Vomiting
• Muscle pain
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Difficult or painful urination
• Indigestion or upset stomach
• Blurred vision
• Fast heart rate
• Dry mouth

Serious side effects of Spiriva (Tiotropium) include:

• Eye pain or redness
• Wheezing, choking or other breathing problems
• Blurred vision
• Sores or white patches on tongue, lips or in mouth
• Seeing halos around lights
• Chest pain
• Little to no urination
• Hoarseness
• Severe pain or burning with urination
• Allergic reaction: skin rash, hives, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the face, itching, swelling of the following: tongue, throat, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs

Contact your medical health professional, if you experience any of the above serious side effects while taking Spiriva (Tiotropium).

Spiriva (Tiotropium) Warnings and Precautions

Do not use Spiriva (Tiotropium) as a fast-acting solution to breathing problems. Use your quick-relief inhaler to help with such shortness of breath or wheezing. Spiriva (Tiotropium) should be used regularly to experience the benefits of it. Take this medication as directed by your physician. Do not stop taking Spiriva (Tiotropium) without out the direction of your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Enlarged prostate or urination problems
• Kidney disease
• Narrow-angle glaucoma

Before taking Spiriva (Tiotropium), tell your doctor if you are allergic to milk. Avoid getting Spiriva (Tiotropium) in your eyes.

Before having any type of dental procedure or surgery, tell your health professional that you are taking Spiriva (Tiotropium).

Do not give Spiriva (Tiotropium) to children without the supervision of a physician.

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, do not use this medication and speak to your doctor. The effects of Spiriva (Tiotropium) on an unborn baby are unknown. It is also unknown if Spiriva (Tiotropium) is passed through breast milk.

Spiriva (Tiotropium) Interactions

If you are taking over-the-counter or prescription medications or recreational drugs, vitamins or herbal remedies, tell your doctor what you are taking to avoid interactions with Spiriva (Tiotropium).

If you are taking any of these medications that have known interactions, speak to your medical health professional before taking Spiriva (Tiotropium):

• Thioridazinee (Mellaril)
• Sotalol (Betapace)
• Sparfloxacin (Zagam)
• Pimozide (Orap)
• Procainamide (Procanbid, Pronestyl)
• Quinidine (Quinidex)
• Moxifloxacin (Avelox)
• Ipratropium (Atrovent)
• Eye drops
• Erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin)
• Disopyramide (Norpace)
• Dofetilide (Tikosyn)
• Atropine (AtroPen)
• Cisapride (Propulsid)
• Any medication for motion sickness, depression, irritable bowel disease, high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, muscle spasms, ulcers or urinary problems
• Amiodarone (Cordarone)
• Antihistamines

Spiriva (Tiotropium) has been linked to causing blurred vision and dizziness. Take caution driving or operating machinery.

Limit your alcohol intake while taking Spiriva (Tiotropium). It may heighten your risk of side effects.