This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Spiriva is an anticholinergic agent. It works by enlarging the airways to allow easier breathing. It is used for treating symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including bronchitis and emphysema. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to Take

The capsule must be placed in a special inhaler device. The device will puncture the capsule so that the medicine inside may be inhaled into the lungs through the mouthpiece. Exhale slowly and deeply. Do not breathe into the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Position the inhaler mouthpiece between your lips and try to rest your tongue flat. Keep your head upright. Take a slow, deep breath. You should hear the capsule vibrate inside the inhaler. Hold your breath as long as it feels comfortable, then exhale slowly through pursed lips. Breathe out completely.

Do not remove a capsule from the packaging until you are ready to use it. If a second capsule is exposed to the air when you are removing a capsule for use, it must be discarded. Do not save the capsule for later.

Do not swallow the capsules. The capsules are used with a special inhaler.

Warning and Precautions

Spiriva may cause blurred vision. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Spiriva with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Spiriva will not stop an asthma attack once it has started. If you are also using a rescue inhaler (eg, albuterol), be sure to always carry it with you to use during asthma attacks.

Avoid getting Spiriva in your eyes. If you get Spiriva in your eyes and eye pain, blurred vision, or other vision changes occur, contact your doctor immediately.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include mental changes, severe constipation, stomach pain, tremors.

Storage

Store Spiriva at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Spiriva out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects persist or become bothersome: blurred vision; constipation; dry mouth; indigestion; muscle aches; nosebleed; runny nose; sore throat; stomach pain; vomiting.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Spiriva. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.