Tiotropium is made jointly by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer, Inc.
How Does Tiotropium Work?
Tiotropium belongs to a group of medications known as anticholinergics or antimuscarinics. By binding to specific receptors, called muscarinic receptors, in the airway, tiotropium helps to relax the smooth muscle. With just one dose a day, the drug helps to prevent bronchospasms, which helps to keep the airways open.
Tiotropium was studied in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People taking the drug showed improved lung function, compared to those not taking it. In addition, these studies showed that the effects of each dose lasted for a full day, and people who took tiotropium were less likely to need "rescue" inhalers (such as
albuterol).