Spiriva (tiotropium) is a medication used to prevent bronchospasm, a condition in which the airways suddenly tighten and cause trouble breathing. According to Drugs.com, Spiriva is an anticholinergic agent that relaxes the airways and allows for easier breathing. Typically, you will inhale one Spiriva capsule's contents using a HandiHaler (type of inhalation device) once a day.
Common Side Effects
In a placebo-controlled trial of 356 patients receiving Spiriva, the National Library of Medicine found that 6 percent experienced stomach pain, 12 percent had dry mouth and 1 percent had constipation, dry mouth, vomiting, dyspepsia (indigestion), infections and epistaxis (nose bleeds). Additionally, 4 percent developed myalgia (muscle pain), 3 percent had monoliasis (a yeast infection), 7 percent developed pharyngitis (sore throat), 43 percent had a urinary tract infection, 2 percent developed a rash, and 3 percent developed a sinus infection and rhinitis (allergy symptoms such as a runny nose). These side effects are benign, but call your doctor when they last for three to six days.
Serious Side Effects
MedlinePlus says that Spiriva can cause potentially fatal side effects such as trouble breathing, chest pain and dysphagia (trouble swallowing). Dysphagia increases the risk of choking on food and saliva. Spiriva can also cause headaches, tachycardia (fast heartbeat), skin rash, blurry vision, red eyes and distorted visual images such as seeing halos around lights. As an inhalation medication, Spiriva can cause white patches or sores to form on the tongue, lips or mouth, says Drugs.com. Tell your doctor if this is the case, and he can prescribe an alternative anticholinergic inhalation medication for you.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Spiriva if you are hypersensitive to tiotropium. Harmful and even deadly side effects, such as difficulty breathing, angioedema (facial or throat swelling) and hives, may develop.
The National Library of Medicine recommends to not use Spiriva if you have glaucoma (eye pressure problem), an enlarged prostate or bladder problems. Spiriva can worsen any or all of these conditions.
It is unknown whether Spiriva can harm a baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is crucial you tell your physician if you are nursing or pregnant.
Avoid taking Spiriva with belladonna, cimetidine, scopolamine, clidinium, dicyclomine or atropine. These medications can interact with Spiriva and lead to the aforementioned effects.
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