Spiriva Respimat 2.5mcg 4ml inhaler

Spiriva Respimat general information

What is Spiriva Respimat used for?

Spiriva Respimat is used for long-term treatment for managing symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other obstructive airways disease, like chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, however, Spiriva Respimat is not a suitable treatment for relieving acute or sudden symptoms of COPD.  Spiriva Respimat relieves symptoms caused by bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways), such as shortness of breath, chronic cough with sputum production, tightness of the chest and wheezing.  Spiriva Respimat also reduces the frequency of exacerbations and improves exercise tolerance and health-related quality of life, but does not cure COPD.  Spiriva Respimat is also used for asthma in addition to ongoing maintenance treatment with corticosteroids and long acting bronchodilators, to help improve asthma symptoms and reduce the number of exacerbations in those who remain symptomatic with ongoing medication.

How does Spiriva Respimat work?

Spiriva Respimat contains the bronchodilator tiotropium , which is a long-acting anticholinergic that acts on specific muscarinic receptors in the bronchioles of the lung to inhibit the interaction of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger of the nervous system) with muscarinic receptors, preventing spasm of the airway wall caused by acetylcholine.  Blocking the action of acetylcholine in the airways, causes the smooth muscle in the airway walls to relax and allows the airways to dilate (widen) which increases air flow into the lungs and relieves bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways).  Spiriva Respimat contains a clear solution that when actuated, using the Respimat inhaler device (which is especially designed for use with Spiriva cartridges and can be obtained separately), produces a fine mist for inhalation.  When this mist is inhaled, tiotropium is taken directly into the lungs and very little is absorbed into the blood circulation.  Regular long-term use of Spiriva Respimat helps reduce symptoms of COPD such as shortness of breath, chronic cough with sputum production, tightness of the chest and wheezing.  

What does Spiriva Respimat contain?

Spiriva Respimat contains the active ingredient tiotropium bromide monohydrate in solution, a long-acting bronchodilator used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Each cartridge contains 30 doses or 60 puffs (2 puffs per dose); each actuation (puff) delivers 2.5mcg.  The cartridges contain a clear, colourless, solution for inhalation in a plastic container, which is inside an aluminium cylinder (cartridge) for use with the Respimat inhaler, which delivers the dose as a fine mist.  The cartridges also contain benzalkonium chloride, disodium edetate, purified water and hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment.

Treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with Spiriva

Spiriva Respimat contains the bronchodilator tiotropium, which relaxes the muscles of the airways, reducing bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways) and increasing air flow into the lungs.  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive obstructive airways disease that usually gets worse with time, with symptoms similar to asthma caused by bronchospasm, including tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath, as well as chronic cough with sputum production because the lung tissues have become damaged.  Spiriva Respimat relieves symptoms of bronchospasm, reduce the frequency of exacerbations and improve exercise tolerance and health-related quality of life, but Spiriva capsules do not cure COPD. 

What are the side effects of Spiriva Respimat?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Spiriva Respimat include, dry mouth and throat, cough, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), blurred vision, high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), oral candida (thrush), dizziness, nausea, constipation, upset stomach, stuffy nose, nosebleed.

When should Spiriva Respimat not be used?

You should not use Spiriva Respimat if you:

• are allergic to tiotropium or any ingredients in Spiriva Respimat
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney disease
• have a history of hypersensitivity to atropine or its derivatives, (ipratropium or oxitropium)
• are having an acute episode of bronchospasm; Spiriva is not intended for rescue therapy
• have glaucoma, urinary problems, irregular heartbeat, or prostate disease

How should Spiriva Respimat be taken?

You should use your Spiriva Respimat once daily, at the same time each day, taking 2 puffs per dose.  You should continue to use your Spiriva Respimat daily for as long as your doctor recommends.  You should only use your Spiriva cartridge with the Respimat inhaler device, which is especially designed for use with Spiriva Respimat and inhale the fine mist spray delivered, following the instructions you have been given. 

1. Hold your Spiriva Respimat inhaler upright with the cap closed and turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows until it clicks.
2. Flip the cap open and breathe out completely, then place the mouthpiece in your mouth and begin to inhale then press the dose release button and continue to inhale slowly until your lungs are full. 
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to get the full dose (2 puffs).
4. Close the cap until you take your next dose.

Note: Before using for the first time, place the Spiriva Respimat cartridge into the Respimat inhaler device and prime the device to ensure that the spray is visible.

How long should you take Spiriva Respimat?

You should continue to use your Spiriva Respimat daily for as long as your doctor recommends. 

Missed dose of Spiriva Respimat

If you miss a dose of Spiriva Respimat take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Spiriva Respimat be stored?

You should store your Spiriva Respimat below 25°C in a cool dry place and do not freeze.