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General Information On Spiriva Handihaler

Spiriva Handihaler is prescribed to treat symptoms of chronic pulmonary disease (COPD) which includes emphysema and bronchitis. The generic name of the medication is Tiotropium. The drug works by opening the narrowed airways to allow easier breathing. Spiriva Handihaler is an anticholinergic agent which is helpful in treating both conditions of COPD- bronchitis and emphysema. You should buy Spiriva Handihaler only as per the recommendation of your doctor and use it as instructed.

Side Effects for Spiriva Handihaler

Some people may experience side effects after using Spiriva Handihaler. The common side effects that you may experience are constipation, sinus inflammation, blurred vision, stomach pain, mild nosebleed, dry mouth or vomiting. You should immediately contact your doctor if any of the side effects persist for a long time or become bothersome. Some people may also experience severe allergic reactions such as swelling of the lips, mouth, or tongue, breathing problems and tightness in the chest, new or worsened breathing problems, painful urination, irregular or fast heartbeat, eye pain or discomfort, severe constipation, problem swallowing, or vision changes. You should immediately seek medical help if you experience any severe allergic reactions.

Precautions

The once-daily dose of Spiriva Handihaler is intended for maintenance treatment for COPD. The dosage should not be used for initial treatment of acute episodes (rescue therapy) of bronchospasm. Some people may experience hypersensitivity reactions such as swelling of the tongue, lips or throat immediately after taking the dose. Some people may also notice a rash or experience itching after taking the recommended dose of Spiriva from the Handihaler device.

If you experience an allergic type reaction you should immediately stop taking the dosage and inform your doctor, who may recommend alternative treatment. Patients who are hypersensitive to milk proteins should be extremely careful while using Spiriva Handihaler. Spiriva Handihaler is not a rescue medicine, and it cannot be used to treat sudden breathing problems. People who are allergic to Ipratropium or Tiotropium should not use Spiriva Handihaler. You should be careful while taking the dose of Spiriva Handihaler and not let the Spiriva powder go into the eyes.

Spiriva Handihaler Dosage

The dosage that is used in the Handihaler device is available in the form of capsule. The Spiriva capsules that are intended to be used with the Handihaler device should not be swallowed. The intended effect of medication on the lungs can only be obtained when the Spiriva capsule is used in Handihaler. Doctors generally recommend two inhalations of one capsule of Spiriva through Handihaler. The Spiriva capsule is kept in the central chamber of the Handihaler device. The capsule is pierced by releasing the green piercing button on the side of the device. The medication is dispersed into the air (inside the device), which is then inhaled by the patient through the mouthpiece. It is necessary that you consult your doctor before you buy Spiriva Handihaler.

Interactions

Spiriva may react with other medications that can hamper the effectiveness of the dose and also cause side effects. The medication may react with drugs such as Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors which include Galantamine (Razadyne), Donepezil (Aricept), Tacrine (Cognex) or Rivastigmine (Exelon). The drug may also react with Anticholinergic medications such as Glycopyrrolate (Robinul), Homatropine (Hycodan), Hyoscyamine (Levsin) and several other Anticholinergic medications. It is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking including over the counter products and supplements