GENERIC NAME: TIOTROPIUM CAPSULE - INHALATION (tee-oh-TROW-pee-um)
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is an anticholinergic agent inhaled into the lungs where it opens up breathing passages. It is used to treat breathing difficulties caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).This medication does not work immediately and should not be used for asthma attacks. Use quick-relief medicines/inhalers for sudden shortness of breath or asthma attacks.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet and the product instructions provided by your pharmacist before you start using tiotropium and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Do not swallow these capsules by mouth. The contents of the capsule are inhaled using a special inhaler, usually once daily as directed. Inhale 2 times per capsule to make sure you inhale all of the drug. Do not breathe into the mouthpiece at any time. Do not use this more often than prescribed.It may take several days before full benefits occur. For best results, this medication must be taken regularly, as directed by your doctor.Rinse your mouth after using the inhaler to help prevent dryness and relieve throat irritation.Follow the directions on the instruction sheet provided with this medication to clean the inhaler at least once a month.This medication works best when the level in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by inhaling your daily dose at the same time each day.Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.If your condition persists or worsens, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, runny nose or irritated throat. If they persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast heartbeat, difficulty urinating, white patches in your mouth, change in vaginal discharge.If the drug is accidentally sprayed in the eye, temporary blurring of vision or visual halos may occur. Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.Seek immediate medical attention in the unlikely event you have eye pain or see halos. These may be signs of narrow-angle glaucoma, a very serious condition that is a medical emergency.Rarely, inhaled medications may cause a worsening of breathing problems immediately after use. If this occurs, contact your doctor immediately.Tell your doctor immediately if this rare but very serious side effect occurs: severe stomach/abdominal pain.An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma (narrow-angle), prostate enlargement (BPH or cancer), difficulty urinating, severe kidney disease, any allergies (especially to atropine or its derivatives such as ipratropium or oxitropium).This drug may cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor of all nonprescription or prescription products you may use, especially of: bowel or bladder antispasmodics/anticholinergics (e.g., atropine, clidinium, propantheline), antihistamines/anticholinergics (often found in cough/cold preparations), medication for Parkinson's disease (anticholinergics such as benztropine), pramlintide.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: This medication will not work and may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms may include confusion, unusually fast/irregular heartbeat, hot/dry skin.
NOTES: If you stop smoking, your breathing problems will improve, and you will lower your risk of cancer and heart disease.Use only the special inhaler device provided with this medication.Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store this medication at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not expose the capsules to extreme temperatures. Do not store capsules in the inhaler device. Avoid freezing.Once the blister is opened, the capsule should be used immediately. Pull back the foil to expose one capsule at a time. Do not expose more than one capsule. If more than one capsule is exposed, you should discard the unused exposed capsule. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
QUESTION
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the same as adult-onset asthma. See AnswerRelated Disease Conditions
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COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung condition caused by smoking tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke, and/or air pollutants. Conditions that accompany COPD include chronic bronchitis, chronic cough, and emphysema. Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, and chronic cough. Treatment of COPD includes GOLD guidelines, smoking cessation, medications, and surgery. The life expectancy of a person with COPD depends on the stage of the disease.
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Lung Anatomy
The lungs are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the blood. Eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood is important, because as it builds up in the blood, headaches, drowsiness, coma, and eventually death may occur. The air we breathe in (inhalation) is warmed, humidified, and cleaned by the nose and the lungs.
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Asthma Medications
There are two types of asthma medications: long-term control with anti-inflammatory drugs and quick relief from bronchodilators. Asthma medicines may be inhaled using a metered-dose inhaler or nebulizer or they may be taken orally. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, or heart disease shouldn't take OTC asthma drugs like Primatene Mist and Bronkaid.
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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.