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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.
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Tiotropium Bromide images:
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Tiotropium Bromide
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.
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.
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.
Overdose
- Symptoms may include confusion, unusually fast/irregular heartbeat, hot/dry skin.
How To Use
- Do not swallow these capsules by mouth.
- The contents of the capsule are inhaled using a special inhaler, usually once daily as directed.
- Do not breathe into the mouthpiece at any time.
- Do not use this more often than prescribed.Carefully read the patient instruction sheet in the product package, and learn how to properly use the special inhaler device.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unclear about any of the information.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.In the unlikely event eye pain occurs, it may be a symptom of narrow-angle glaucoma.
- This is a very serious condition which may be induced by this drug, and which requires emergency medical attention.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, dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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; use caution engaging in activities requiring clear vision such as driving or using machinery.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.
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.
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.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement 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 a 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.
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