Spiriva

definition

The active ingredient of the drug Spiriva® is tiotropium.
It belongs to the group of so-called parasympatholytics. It is used in what is known as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The main symptoms of this disease are a chronic cough and increasing shortness of breath.
Taking Spiriva® helps against these symptoms. By dilating the bronchi, it relieves shortness of breath and, through regular use, also reduces the incidence of acute worsening of the disease.

Mode of action

The drug Spiriva® with its active ingredient tiotropium works via parasympathicolysis.
This means that there is an inhibitory effect on the so-called receptors Parasympathetic nervous system Has. This, together with his opponent, represents the Sympathetic, a part of the vegetative (involuntary) nervous system. The two parts have an opposite effect. Both the parasympathetic and the sympathetic nervous system act on most organs in the body through their own receptors.
To put it simply, the parasympathetic system causes a restriction in energy consumption, a reduction in performance Cardiovascular system and increased absorption and digestion of food.

Spiriva® inhibits the parasympathetic receptors and thus reduces its effect on the various organs. In the Lungs the effect of Spiriva® leads to an expansion of the Bronchi, because the parasympathetic nervous system is normally responsible for narrowing there.
Since the receptors belonging to the parasympathetic nervous system can also be found on other organs, various side effects can occur.

Dosage form

Spiriva® is in the pharmacy in the form of Capsules available. This must be done through a special inhalation device powder be crushed.
One capsule should be inhaled as a crushed powder once a day. The capsules should not be taken whole.

Spiriva® is a long-acting one Bronchodilator (Bronchodilator). The drug is used in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is used as a long-term therapy to widen the airways and thereby make breathing easier and to reduce the symptoms of the disease in everyday life.

Spiriva® should not be used in the treatment of children and adolescents as this is not recommended according to the manufacturer. In patients with an enlargement of the prostate, one Angle-closure glaucoma (an increase in intraocular pressure) or a narrowing of the bladder neck, the application should be carried out with caution.

Contraindications

Spiriva® should not be taken if you are allergic to the active ingredient Tiotropium or against lactose (Milk sugar) is.

As there is insufficient knowledge of the side effects pregnancy Spiriva® should only be used if there is a clear and necessary indication.
During the Breastfeeding Spiriva® should be avoided because it is not sufficiently known whether it can also be found in breast milk when ingested.

Side effects

As a side effect of the Parasympatholytic agent Spiriva®, so-called anticholinergic effects can occur.
Anticholinerg means an inhibition of the neurotransmitters Acetylcholine, which is responsible for the transmission of the parasympathetic functions in the organism. Of the Parasympathetic nervous system in simple terms represents the part of the Nervous system which is responsible for the rest, relaxation and digestion phases of the body.

A dry mouth is a common side effect of taking Spiriva®. Occasionally, it can Constipation, to cough, dizziness or a headache come. Also insomnia can occur while taking Spiriva®.
Occasionally a Gastric acid reflux occur. You may also experience blurred vision or difficulty urinating. Rare side effects are Palpitations or increased pressure in the eye. After all, it can too nausea, one Inflammation of the throat or des Gums come.

Interactions

Spiriva® should not be used together with other so-called Anticholinergics be taken that have the same effect. This can lead to an intensification of the effect.
In combination with other drugs used to treat the COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), no side effects were observed.