• Tiotropium is a bronchodilator
• It works by relaxing the muscles in the airway to increase air flow to the lungs
• Adults use tiotropium to treat COPD, bronchitis, and emphysema
• Tiotropium is used to prevent bronchospasm
• In adults and children 6 years and older, tiotropium is used to prevent asthma attacks

Always follow the medication guidelines, your doctor's instructions, and your dosage amount instructions exactly. 

• Usually, tiotropium is inhaled twice daily through the mouth
• Do not use tiotropium as an emergency rescue drug; it cannot treat a current COPD flare-up
• Inform your doctor if your tiotropium doesn't work well
• Supervise children if they need to use this device
• 2 inhalations are required to get the full dose of 1 capsule
• Keep capsules in blister pack until you are ready to use them
• Dipose of capsules that have not been used correctly
• Air can negatively affect the capsule
• The Spiriva Respimat locks after 30 doses or 60 puffs
• Your lungs may be tested regularly
• Get your prescription refilled before you totally run out of it
• Store capsules at room temp, away from moisture and heat; do not freeze; do not store within inhaler
• If you miss a dose, take your medication as soon as you can; if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
• Do not take more than 2 inhalations within a 24-hour period

*Always inform your doctor of all known medications, medical conditions, and allergies prior to taking a new drug, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs, supplements, recreational drugs, and vitamins.

General precautions:

• Spiriva is only to be used in the HandiHaler; DO NOT ingest the capsule orally
• Use one capsule at a time
• The Spiriva Respimat cartridge must only be used with the Respimat inhaler, which contains a dose indicator
• Do not use this medication to treat a bronchospasm that is already happening; it is only designed to prevent bronchospasm
• Do not take more than 2 inhalations in a 24 hour period
• Avoid contact between the powder and your eyes - contact your doctor if this happens
• Use caution when driving and engaging in any activity that requires alertness

Before starting this medication, inform your doctor if you have experienced or have:

• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Enlarged prostate
• Bladder obstruction
• Kidney disease
• Urination issues
• Milk allergy
• If you take medication to treat Parkinson's disease, an overactive bladder, IBS, depression, hypertension, or muscle spasms
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, or if you plan to

Do not use this medication if you:

• Are allergic
• Are already experiencing a bronchospasm; this drug is only for prevention
• Are under 18 years old

Cease use and seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• An overdose (symptoms include: dry mouth, red eyes, constipation, stomach pain, confusion, drowsiness)
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as: hives, itch, breathing difficulties, swollen face/lips/tongue/throat
• Other symptoms (See Side Effects)

Cease use and contact your doctor right away if:

• The powder gets in your eyes
• You experience breathing problems
• Your vision gets blurry, you experience eye pain, redness, and you start seeing halos around lights
• You have sores or white patches on your mouth, tongue, and lips
• There is a burning/painful sensation when you urinate
• You experience little to no urination

Interactions (inform your doctor if you also take these):

• Avoid using drugs that cause blurry vision, constipation, or difficult urination  in conjunction with tiotropium
• Avoid cold/allergy medication, over-the-counter sleep medication, muscle relaxers, or drugs that prevent nausea/motion sickness
• Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs, vitamins, and supplements

Please note that the precautionary information, interactions, and side effects listed on this webpage are not exhaustive. Other effects may occur. Please consult with your doctor about the relevance of this information to your personal case.

Always inform your doctor of all known medications, medical conditions, and allergies prior to taking a new drug, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs, supplements, recreational drugs, and vitamins.

Side effects may include:

• Dry mouth
• Blurry vision
• Constipation, upset stomach
• Painful urination
• Chest pain
• Cold symptoms

Cease use and seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• An overdose
• Symptoms of allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swollen face/lips/tongue/throat

Cease use and contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• You got the powder into your eyes
• You experience breathing problems
• Your vision gets blurry, you experience eye pain, redness, and you start seeing halos around lights
• You have sores or white patches on your mouth, tongue, and lips
• There is a burning/painful sensation when you urinate, or you experience little to no urination

Please note that the precautionary information, interactions, and side effects listed on this webpage are not exhaustive. Other effects may occur. Please consult with your doctor about the relevance of this information to your personal case.