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Tiotropium

  • Tiotropium is used to treat the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Stop smoking as it causes severe irritation and damage to the lungs and will make your condition worse.
  • The most common side effect is a dry mouth

About tiotropium

Type of medicine Antimuscarinic bronchodilators
Used for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Also called Spiriva
Available as Capsules for inhalation

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antimuscarinic bronchodilators and can be used to treat symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Bronchodilators work by opening up the air passages in the lungs so that air can flow into the lungs more freely. In doing so they help to relieve symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Before using tiotropium

Before using tiotropium make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have glaucoma.
  • If you suffer from prostate or kidney problems.
  • If you have been experiencing difficulty urinating (passing water).
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use tiotropium

  • Tiotropium is usually inhaled once a day. Try to use it at the same time each day to prevent missing any doses. If you forget a dose, use the inhaler as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue using it at the usual times. Never use two doses at the same time to compensate.
  • If you use another inhaled bronchodilator (reliever) with tiotropium, use the other bronchodilator first, and then wait about five minutes before using tiotropium.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Do not stop using tiotropium without speaking to your doctor first.
  • You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking causes severe irritation and damage to the lungs. It will make your condition worse and will reduce the beneficial effects of your medication.
  • If you have diabetes, check your blood glucose levels regularly as this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.
  • Keep tiotropium away from your eyes. If any of the powder comes into contact with your eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water. If irritation occurs tell your doctor immediately.

Can tiotropium cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who use this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets. If this becomes troublesome speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Cough Try rinsing you mouth and gargling with water after using the inhaler.
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. If constipation continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Difficulty urinating Speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
Blurred vision Speak with your doctor as soon as possible.

Other side effects include sore throat, sinusitis and nose bleeds.

How to store tiotropium

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before using this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3880		 DocRef:
dils3868		 Last Updated:
4 Oct 2007		 Date of Next Review:
3 Oct 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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