Spiriva| tiotropium

Medication Class: Anticholinergic
Manufacturer: Boehringer Ingelheim
Approval Date: January 2004

What is Spiriva and how does it work (MOA)

Spiriva is a long acting respiratory agent. Its mechanism of action (MOA) is opening airways by blocking anticholinergic receptors on smooth muscle of bronchioles, leading to dilation of bronchioles.

What is Spiriva used for (indication)

• Bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (bronchitis, emphysema)
• COPD exacerbations

How effective is Spiriva

• Peak improvement in long function occurs within 3 hours.
• Spiriva may reduce the use of short acting agents for rescue treatment.
• Average peak improvement in lung function after 1 week of treatment was 28-31%.
• 27.9% of COPD patients treated with Spiriva experienced exacerbations compared to 32.3% of patients that received placebo.

What are interesting facts about Spiriva

• It is not used for acute treatment of bronchospasm
• One daily, inhaled powder
• Inhaled therapy for prevention of bronchospasms

What is the dose Spiriva and how is it administered

Two oral inhalations of 1 capsule (18 mcg) daily. A HandiHaler inhalation device is used for administering Spiriva.

What are the side effects of Spiriva

Common: Dry mouth, upper respiratory infection, sore throat, runny nose, stomach upset or pain, constipation, vomiting, nose bleed, urinary retention, candidiasis (fungal infection), chest pain, blurred vision.

Serious: Glaucoma, paralytic ileus, bronchospasm, increased intraocular pressure, allergic reactions (swelling of mouth, throat, tongue, itching, rash).

Spiriva drug interactions

• Pramlintide (Symlin)
• Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., oxybutynin, amantadine, atropine, scopolamine)
• Botulinum toxins (Botox)
• Cholinergic agents (e.g., bethanecol, pilocarpine)

What is the cost of Spiriva

$12-$14 per capsule

How to obtain prescription assistance for Spiriva

For prescription assistance for Spiriva visit RxHope or Partnership for Prescription Assistance.

References: Spiriva FDA Prescribing Information.

This medication summary is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

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