Do you have difficulty breathing, asthma, or a chronic lung disease like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)? If so, your doctor may have told you to use an inhaler. So today we are going to talk about one such commonly used inhaler, Tiotropium, which is especially used to control the disease. You will often find this under the brand name Spiriva Respimat.
What is Tiotropium? What does it do?
Simply put, Tiotropium is a medicine that widens the airways in your lungs and makes it easier to breathe. It's called a 'controller' inhaler . This means it's not used when you have a sudden attack of asthma or difficulty breathing. It's used daily, at set times , to control your symptoms.
This is something that many people get confused about. Remember, Tiotropium is not a 'reliever' inhaler that you use in an emergency. Your doctor may have given you a separate inhaler for that.
Things to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor prescribes Tiotropium inhaler for you, they will need to know a complete history of your health, especially about these things.
- Glaucoma: This means that you have a condition that causes increased pressure in the eyes.
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney-related problems.
- Prostate problems: If you are a man, you may have difficulty urinating or have a prostate problem.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Tiotropium, or to other medications such as Ipratropium and Atropine. Also, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medications, foods, or dyes.
- Be sure to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding .
How do you use this inhaler correctly?
The way this is used is very important.
1. Take the right dose, at the right time: Take this medicine at the same time every day, exactly as your doctor has told you. If it is once a day, take it at the same time every day. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
2. Continue to use: Even if you think your symptoms have subsided, continue to use this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. This is because this is a 'control' medicine, meaning that the disease is controlled because you continue to take the medicine.
3. Read the patient package insert: When you are given your medication, read the patient package insert carefully. It contains clear instructions on how to assemble, use, and clean the inhaler.
4. If given to children: This medicine is sometimes recommended for children over 6 years of age. But talk to your doctor about it and only use it according to his or her instructions.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal remedies, as some medications can interact with Tiotropium and cause side effects.
| Type of medicine | Description |
|---|---|
| Allergy, cough and cold medicines | Some types of antihistamines. |
| Other respiratory medications | Other inhalers, especially those containing Ipratropium. |
| Medicines for bladder diseases | For example, oxybutynin, tolterodine. |
| Medications for Parkinson's disease | For example, benztropine, trihexyphenidyl. |
| Some medicines for stomach aches | For example, dicyclomine, hyoscyamine. |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take. Also, tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Side effects to be aware of when using the medicine
It's normal to experience minor side effects when taking medication, but there are some things we need to be especially careful about.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in the eyes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, and loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Difficulty urinating or no urination. |
| Increased difficulty breathing | If you experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness after using the inhaler. |
| Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dry mouth | Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking water can help with this. |
| Constipation | Eat more fibrous foods and water. |
| Sore throat | This can be reduced by rinsing your mouth with water after using the inhaler. |
| Cold-like symptoms | Runny nose or stuffy nose. |
Other things to consider
- Drowsiness/Dizziness: This medication may make some people feel a little drowsy or dizzy. So, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Be careful when getting up or sitting down quickly, especially if you are elderly.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect of this medication. Drink plenty of water. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on a piece of candy can also help. If the problem persists, tell your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Tiotropium is a 'controller' inhaler. This means that it should be used daily to control the disease, not as an emergency.
- Always keep a separate 'reliever' inhaler with you to use in case of an asthma attack or difficulty breathing.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and any medical conditions you have (especially eye, kidney, or prostate problems).
- If you experience increased difficulty breathing, eye problems, or severe allergic symptoms after using the inhaler, seek medical advice immediately.
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature, out of the reach of children. Remove from foil packet and discard after 3 months or when expired.
- If you have any questions or doubts, never be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
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