Spiriva is the brand name of the prescription drug tiotropium, which is used to treat people with certain lung conditions.
Doctors prescribe Spiriva for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
The medicine is in a class of drugs known as bronchodilators, which work by opening and relaxing air passages to the lungs in order to make breathing easier.
Spiriva comes as an inhalation mist (Spiriva Respimat) and an inhalation powder (Spiriva HandiHaler).
Spiriva HandiHaler was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004. Spiriva Respimat was approved in 2014.
The medicine is manufactured by Boehringer-Ingelheim and Pfizer.
Common Side Effects of Spiriva
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don’t go away:
Dry mouth
Blurred vision
Fast heart rate
Constipation
Painful or difficult urination
Upset stomach or indigestion
Stomach pain
Vomiting
Muscle pain
Cold symptoms, including stuffy nose, sinus pain, runny nose, or sore throat
Serious Side Effects of Spiriva
Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
Wheezing, choking, or any other breathing problems after use
Blurred vision
Eye pain or eye redness
Seeing halos around lights
Sores or white patches on the mouth, lips, or tongue
Little or no urination
Chest pain
Severe pain or burning when you urinate
Hoarseness
Signs of an allergic reaction, which may include hives, skin rash, itching, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the face, tongue, throat, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs