About Spiriva

The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Spiriva.

Spiriva is a medication prescribed for people who have a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. COPD sufferers have difficulty breathing because the airways to the lungs are swollen and damaged from toxic chemical exposure and smoking. The drug is classed as a bronchodilator, and it works by opening up the airways to the lungs and keeping them relaxed to make breathing easier. It is a slow-acting medication that gradually improves breathing function in COPD patients and prevents asthma-like attacks. Spiriva will not work quickly enough to relieve any sudden shortness of breath episodes.

A prescription for Spiriva includes an inhaler called the HandiHaler and thirty capsules containing the Spiriva powder. One capsule is inserted into the HandiHaler each day, and the patient then inhales twice to make sure all of the powder from the capsule is taken into the lungs and airways. The capsules should never be swallowed, and the medication should be inhaled at the same time every day. After inhaling the powder each day, patients should rinse their mouth with water to prevent dry mouth, which is the most common side effect of using Spiriva.

Each patient responds differently to Spiriva. Some will notice an improvement to their breathing within just a few days, and others may need to use it for several weeks before seeing any difference. Spiriva does not cure COPD, but it helps doctors and their patients manage their disease to make life more comfortable.

What is Tiotropium Bromide?

Tiotropium Bromide is the generic form of Spiriva and can be purchased as a cheaper alternative to save money on your medication. The same ingredients are used in the manufacturing of the brand name version of this drug as in Tiotropium Bromide.