What is tiotropium bromide?
Tiotropium bromide is an orally inhaled drug used to treat the symptoms of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). COPD, an unreversible lung disease, is a mixture of chronic bronchitis and emphysema in which the lungs create too much mucus. This causes deep, frequent cough when the body tries to eliminate mucus. This means that it blocks the neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, relaxing - or expansion - muscles in the bronchi, two tubes between the lungs and the trachea. This helps to reduce cough, shortness of breath and other symptoms of COPD. It comes in a capsule, which is inserted into the handihaler & reg, where it is pierced and releases powder. The patient then immediately breathes twice through the mouthpiece of the handihaler & reg. This is usually done only once every 24 hours, although the doctor may be prescribed more often. The capsules must be taken from its packaging immediately before use; Otherwise, it loses its effectiveness. Must not be used more often than prescribed and is not meant as an emergency medicine such as some asthma inhalers.
Patients are warned not to allow the tiotropium bromide powder to get into the eyes because they irritate and cause pupils and vision blur. Although the powder did not get into the eye, vision problems may arise as a side effect of the drug. If the patient experiences changes in vision or eye pain, he should contact his doctor.
Other side effects of the drug include rashes of similar hive and swelling at various places on the body. A very serious side effect is that it can deteriorate rather than ease, cough and wheezing. This may be life -threatening, so the doctor should be announced immediately if this happens. There is also a long list of possible side effects that are common and unpleasant, but not serious. Many times these are retreating when the patient's body gets used to medication.
In October 2008, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicated that it monitors signs of increased risk of heart infarktu, stroke or death as a side effect of bromide tiotropium. This came after several studies that suggested the possibility. In January 2010, however, the FDA said that careful review showed them no connection of these side effects using Spiriv and Reg.
Nevertheless, the product users must be careful to monitor the direction of their doctor and notify the doctor at the first sign of the potentially serious side effect. Patients are also warned not to take any over -the -counter medicines without the consent of the doctor. This includes vitamins and herbal supplements.