Tiotropium
About
Tiotropium belongs to the group of anti-asthmatic medicines called bronchodilators used to treat asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Asthma is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty breathing. COPD is a group of lung diseases with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes).
Tiotropium contains ‘Tiotropium’ which works by blocking the receptors for acetylcholine which are released in the cholinergic nerve endings in the airways. Tiotropium relaxes and widens the airway's openings, making it easier for the air to get in and out of the lungs. Thereby, provides relief from asthma and COPD.
Tiotropium is meant for inhalation only; do not swallow Tiotropium. You are advised to use Tiotropium for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as dry mouth, stomach upset, constipation, blurred vision, chest pain and cold symptoms. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Please do not stop taking Tiotropium on your own as it might cause worsening of symptoms. Consult your doctor before taking Tiotropium if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tiotropium may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol as it might cause increased dizziness. Tiotropium is not recommended for children below 6years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to avoid unpleasant side-effects.
Uses of Tiotropium
Medicinal Benefits
Tiotropium belongs to the group of anti-asthmatic medicines called bronchodilators used to treat asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Tiotropium works by blocking the receptors for acetylcholine which are released in the cholinergic nerve endings in the airways. Tiotropium relaxes and widens the airway's openings, making it easier for the air to get in and out of the lungs. Thereby helps in treating asthma and COPD. Regular use of Tiotropium can help with ongoing shortness of breath related to diseases like asthma. Daily use of Tiotropium can also help prevent sudden, short-term worsening of COPD symptoms that might last for several days. Tiotropium is also used as an adjunct to other medicines to treat asthma.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Tiotropium
- Dry mouth
- Stomach upset
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Cold symptoms
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Tiotropium if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor before taking Tiotropium if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, prostate problems or difficulty in urination, kidney, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, or have suffered from myocardial infarction (heart attack) during the last 6 months, irregular heartbeat or heart failure. Consult your doctor before using Tiotropium if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tiotropium may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol as it might cause increased dizziness. Tiotropium is not recommended for children below 6 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. If wheezing or chest tightness worsens, please consult a doctor immediately. These might be signs indicating that your asthma is not controlled properly and requires an alternate or additional treatment.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Tiotropium may interact with anticholinergic drugs (ipratropium, oxitropium).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, prostate problems or difficulty in urination, kidney disease, liver disease, angioedema, cystic fibrosis, myocardial infarction (heart attack), irregular heartbeat or heart failure.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are advised not to consume alcohol while taking Tiotropium as it might cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionTiotropium belongs to pregnancy category C. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor before using Tiotropium, your doctor will decide whether Tiotropium can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionTiotropium may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor before using Tiotropium if you have liver impairment/liver disease or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor before using Tiotropium if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionTiotropium is not recommended for children below 6 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system.
- Avoid foods such as cabbage, beans, garlic, onions, shrimp, pickled food, dried fruits, fried foods, carbonated drinks, wine, bottled lemon and lime juice as it may worsen asthma symptoms.
- Do meditation, deep breathing, regular exercise and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stress and reduce the risk of an asthma attack.
- Quit smoking as it may reduce the effectiveness of the Tiotropium and irritate the lung, worsening breathing problems.
- Learn breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing will help you move more air in and out of your lungs.
Special Advise
- You are advised to rinse your mouth with water after each dose of Tiotropium because it not only removes the taste of medicine inhaled but also helps to avoid fungal infections in the mouth and throat. After rinsing your mouth thoroughly, you may drink water, milk or any liquids.
- Your doctor may advise regular lung function tests while on treatment with Tiotropium.
- Your doctor may advise regular monitoring of electrolytes.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: It is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty breathing. The symptoms of asthma include wheezing (whistling sound while breathing), shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough, especially at night. The symptoms of mild persistent asthma may occur more than 2 times in a week and up to 4 nights in a month whereas, in case of severe persistent asthma, the symptoms occur several times every day and most nights. The treatment for asthma includes medication, breathing exercises and self-care.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): It is a group of lung diseases with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes). The major cause of COPD is smoking tobacco. Also, long-term exposure to fumes and chemicals may lead to COPD. The symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath or wheezing (whistle sound while breathing).
FAQs
Tiotropium relaxes and widens the airway's openings, making it easier for the air to get in and out of the lungs. Thereby helps in treating asthma and COPD.
Tiotropium is indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma or COPD. It does not treat a sudden attack of wheezing or breathlessness. Use a rescue inhaler to treat sudden breathing problems.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Tiotropium. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might stimulate saliva and prevent drying of the mouth.
Tiotropium might cause fungal infections in the mouth. To avoid this, maintain proper oral hygiene and gargle with warm water after each inhalation.
Please do not stop using Tiotropium on your own as it might cause worsening of symptoms. To treat your condition effectually, continue using Tiotropium for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Talk to your doctor if your breathing problems do not improve despite using Tiotropium.
Asthma and COPD are both chronic lung diseases. Chronic illness is a long-term disease. As asthma and COPD are long-term diseases, Tiotropium should be used every day and not only when you have breathing problems or worsening symptoms.
Tiotropium may worsen glaucoma symptoms. Talk to your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you.
