What Is Tiotropium Used For?

Tiotropium is used for the prevention of bronchospasms associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It works by causing the smooth muscles in the airways to relax, which can help keep the airways open and prevent spasms. It is not approved for use in children, nor are there any off-label tiotropium uses.

Tiotropium Bromide Inhalation Powder

What Is Tiotropium Used For? -- An Overview

Tiotropium bromide (Spiriva^®) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is part of a class of drugs known as anticholinergics or antimuscarinics.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease in which the lung is damaged, making it difficult to breathe. Specifically, the airways (the tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs) are partly obstructed. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two kinds of COPD. While smoking is the most common cause, there are other possible causes of COPD. Common COPD symptoms may include:

Cough
Sputum (mucus) production
Shortness of breath, especially with exercise
Wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe)
Chest tightness.

Depending on the severity of your COPD, your healthcare provider may recommend a number of medications as part of your COPD treatment, including:

Bronchodilators
Steroids (such as inhaled steroids)
Flu shot
Pneumococcal vaccine.

Lifestyle changes are also recommended (see Living With COPD and COPD Rehabilitation).

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 airways, tiotropium helps to relax the smooth muscle of the airways. The drug is a bronchodilator, which means that with just one dose a day, it helps to prevent bronchospasms and keep the airways open.

(What Is Tiotropium Used For? Continued: Page 2)