Spiriva With Handihaler (tiotropium)

Spiriva Description

Spiriva is a drug that is used to ease breathing in conditions such as bronchitis when there is restricted ability breathe in patients. Spiriva tablets are to be used in the Handihaler which is an apparatus that actually helps to administer the medicine. The drug contains the active ingredient Tiotropium bromide. The manufacturer for Spiriva is Pfizer as well as Boehringer-Ingelheim as part of a joint venture. Another manufacturer of Tiotropium bromide capsules is Cipla. The brand name for their drug is Tiova.

Conditions Treated by Spiriva

Spiriva is a long-action drug that comes in the form of capsules that have to be inhaled. The Spiriva with Handihaler product is therefore manufactured by Pfizer as a package. The device works through out the day with a slow, releasing formula. It is effective an anticholinergic bronchodilator and is only meant as a prescription drug, not for over the counter usage. It is recommended for patients with bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. In all these respiratory conditions, the airways get narrow causing obstructed breathing. This is due to the blocked mucus, which becomes too tight. Spiriva is therefore used in such cases, with a single spray that works gradually throughout the day. The tablets have to be placed in the inhaler. The patient needs to manually pierce the capsule and inhale it. There is a distinct fluttering sound when the capsule is rightly placed and the medicine is being drawn correctly from the inhaler. Although only one capsule is required daily, several inhalations (maybe 2 or 3) throughout the day are recommended, depending upon the severity of the conditions. The medicine helps to relax the muscle along the airways to allow the patient to breathe with ease. Patients with COPD or chronic respiratory disorders suffer from wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. All these symptoms are alleviated with Spiriva. The medicine also helps to stabilize patients with such chronic problems, diminishing the chances of a sudden attack or worsening of symptoms.

It must be noted that Spiriva capsules are not meant for oral consumption and on the contrary can cause unwanted complications if consumed in that manner. Moreover, Spiriva capsules should never be exposed to air for long as they can lose their effectiveness. A capsule that has been accidentally exposed to air for long might hence have to be discarded completely.

Spiriva Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

Spiriva is used once daily in the inhaler. The capsules have to be opened just before they are put into the inhaler. The patient might have to inhale the medicine several times in a day, based on the specific prescription. There should be no changes in the dosage even if there is an overall improvement in the condition, as the chances of a flare up are there. Hence the changes in dosage must only be done with a doctor’s suggestion.

b.) Missing A Dose

It is quite common for patients to miss their medicines, particularly at a stage when the symptoms of a disorder are reduced or almost gone. Often patients combine meal times with oral consumption medicines, which is known to work. However with medicines such as Spiriva that need to be inhaled the chance of missing a dose is higher. A good idea is to take the dose at a specific time each day. A missed dose can otherwise cause a worsening of respiratory conditions and even result in an bronchial attack.

c.) Overdosing

The patient must never make any increases or decreases in the dosage without consulting the doctor as it can cause side effects. In case of Spiriva also which is a prescription medicine, the dosage needs to be adhered to. Overdosing of Spiriva is indicated by sleepiness, dryness in the mouth, reddening of eyes, constipation or other stomach complaints and a general feeling of uneasiness.

Spiriva Warnings

Spiriva tablets should not be consumed with any oral consumption medicine; hence it is preferable to store them separately so that other household members might not mistakenly consume them. The medicine must not be stored in the kitchen or bathroom as over exposure to heat or moisture can alter the effectiveness of the drug. It must also be noted that Spiriva capsules must not be exposed to open air for too long. The capsules must be retained in the blister packs, until it is time to actually place them in the Handihaler. When beginning a dose of Spiriva, the patient, as well as someone who is living with the patient in the same household must properly understand the information leaflet and instructions for using the Handihaler. Over the course of the medicine, the patient’s lung functioning needs to be tested at regular intervals. These are important tests that must not be ignored even if there is an overall improvement in the patient’s well being. The Handihaler must always be kept clean and in a secure, dry place. The Spiriva capsules must be replaced before the stock finishes to ensure an uninterrupted supply of the medicine. Spiriva must not be taken by patients who are allergic to Atrovent, tiotropium and Atreza or there can de a serious adverse reaction.

Spiriva Side Effects

Spiriva is a prescription drug and like all drugs of this category it has some side effects. All prescription drugs will have some side effects in addition to the intended effects on the patient. Moreover different patients might respond differently to a drug, hence close monitoring is necessary, particularly at the initial stage. Further Spiriva needs to be taken only for prevention of an attack in bronchitis; it should not be given when an attack actually takes place. The side effects of Spiriva with Handihaler include cold like symptoms such as:

• runny nose
• soreness in throat
• sinus infection
• swelling in the nose
• nose bleeds

Other side effects include:

• rashes on the skin
• indigestion or constipation
• dryness in mouth
• stomach cramps
• yeast infection
• vomiting with uneasiness

It is best to seek immediate medical help if the patient experiences any side effects.

Possible Drug Interactions With Spiriva

Spiriva is an anticholinergic drug and it will interact with some other anticholinergic drugs in an unfavorable manner. Hence patients must report any allergies or past drug reactions to the doctor when starting the use of Spiriva with Handihaler. However it must be noted that Spiriva Handihaler is only to be used as a long-term medication, not for short term relief. Make sure to notify your doctor if your are currently using any of the following medications:

• Anticholinergic medications such as:
  • glycopyrrolate (Robinul)
  • propantheline (Pro-Banthine)
  • mepenzolate (Cantil)
  • clidinium (Quarzan)
• Belladonna Alkaloid medications such as:
  • phenobarbital/hyoscyamine/atropine/scopolamine (Donnatal)
  • hyoscyamine (Anaspaz)
  • methscopolamine (Pamine)
  • hyoscyamine (Cystospaz, Levsin)
  • scopolamine (Transderm-Scop)
• Antispasmodic medications such as:
  • dicyclomine (Bentyl)
• H2 antagonist medications such as:
  • cimetidine (Tagamet HB, Nu-Cimet)

While this list is not complete and there are other medicine that can interact with Spiriva. Tell you health care professional of all the prescription and over the counter medications you may be using. Do not start any new medications or supplements without a doctor's consultation.

If you have any questions about buying discount Spiriva With Handihaler online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.