Spiriva Respimat

Authored by

Dr Blen Tesfu

20 August 2024

What is Spiriva Respimat?

Spiriva Respimat is an asthma treatment which relaxes the airways making it easier to breathe. It can also be used prescribed to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Description

Spiriva Respimat for Asthma & Breathing Problems

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are breathing conditions that primarily affect the lungs. Asthma often occurs after exposure to a trigger, however, it can happen randomly. Triggers may include common allergies to pollen or animal dander, infections, environmental changes or from exercise.

Spiriva Respimat is a soft-mist inhaler medication used to treat COPD or asthma. This product is intended for everyday use to help with the symptoms associated with breathing problems.

What is a Spiriva Respimat and how does it work?

This is a long-acting bronchodilator medication that helps in opening the airways and making breathing easier. If used regularly, Spiriva Respimat can help to reduce shortness of breath.

This is a daily COPD and asthma medication and is not a reliever/rescue inhaler. Spiriva Respimat should not be used for acute attacks of breathlessness or wheezing.

Is a Spiriva Respimat right for me?

If you are diagnosed with asthma, COPD or other breathing condition, you may be prescribed a Spiriva Respimat by a doctor or healthcare professional. However, it may not be suitable for you if you have the following:

If you are allergic or hypersensitive to tiotropium, atropine or related substances, or any other ingredients in this medicine
If you suffer from narrow angle glaucoma, prostate problems or have difficulty passing urine.
If you have problems with your kidneys
If you have a history of heart problems
If you have cystic fibrosis
If you are taking anticholinergic drugs, e.g. ipratropium or oxitropium

How to use a Spiriva Respimat?

Always use Spiriva Respimat exactly as prescribed by your doctor or advised by the pharmacist. The recommended starting dose for adults is two puffs, once a day (if possible at the same time), however, in presence of other factors, this may be increased or decreased accordingly as per the prescriber's clinical judgement.

For adults:

Spiriva Respimat is effective for 24 hours so you will only need to take two puffs, once a day, preferably at the same time,

Instructions:

Read the instructions on preparing your inhaler for use.
Keeping the cap closed, turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows on the label until it clicks (half a turn)
Remove the cap
Breathe out slowly and fully
Close your lips around the mouthpiece without covering the air vents and point the inhaler to the back of your throat.
While taking a slow, deep breath through your mouth, PRESS the dose-release button and continue to breathe in slowly for as long as comfortable
Hold your breath for 10 seconds or for as long as comfortable
Repeat, TURN, OPEN, PRESS for a total of 2 puffs.
Close the cap until you use your inhaler again
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine

Do not use your inhaler more often than the doctor told you to.

Side Effects

All medications can cause potential side effects, below we have listed some potential side effects of the Spiriva Respimat. However, these do not always occur and are mostly mild in nature. But if you experience any prolonged or worrying side effects of the Spiriva Respimat, please discontinue the medication immediately and consult your doctor.

Common side effects include:

Dry mouth

Warnings and Precautions

The Spiriva Respimat may not be safe if taken with other medication or recreational drugs. Please inform the prescriber if you are taking any of the listed medications.

DO NOT use the Spiriva Respimat:

If you are allergic or hypersensitive to tiotropium, atropine or related substances, or any other ingredients in this medicine
If you suffer from narrow angle glaucoma, prostate problems or have difficulty passing urine.
If you have problems with your kidneys
If you have a history of heart problems
If you have cystic fibrosis
If you are taking anticholinergic drugs, e.g. ipratropium or oxitropium

The above-listed warnings are not exhaustive, please consult a doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you have further questions on the use of this medication or potential interactions with other medicines.

Spiriva Respimat Patient Leaflet

To view Patient Leaflet click here.

To view PDF patient leaflet click here.

Additional Information

This inhaler is prescribed as a treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by relaxing the airways and making it easier to breathe. The medicine in Spiriva Respimat contains the active ingredient tiotropium bromide, which is used for controlling specific symptoms of lung diseases like asthma and COPD.

Spiriva Respimat is commonly administered with a special device called a nebulizer. First, check that the nebulizer or compressor supplied with your Spiriva Respimat inhaler is clean and ready to use before you open your medication. Once you’ve assembled your nebulizer, place the mouthpiece attachment into its opening. Next, twist the Spiriva Respimat inhaler to release a single spray into the air. Finally, inhale the medicine through the mouthpiece attachment while breathing deeply and evenly for 10 deep breaths.

If you have any questions about how to use your Spiriva Respimat inhaler, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Welzo does not endorse or sell the medication discussed, nor do we recommend using this information as a substitute for professional healthcare. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or medical treatment. Welzo assumes no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.