The Advantages of Using Spiriva

Spiriva (Tiotropium) is an inhalation powder containing tiotropium bromide monohydrate for the maintenance and treatment of bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The medicine is a once-daily long acting treatment administered through an inhaler, that helps to open the airways. Although it costs slightly more than other anticholinergic bronchodilators, the advantages to Spiriva are often well worth it.

Increase Lung Function

• According to Madhuri Borde, Ph.D., analyst for Decision Resources, the most significant advantage in taking Spiriva is that, unlike its competitors, Spiriva has proven to increase lung function in COPD patients over time. Spiriva has also shown to decrease exacerbation (increase in the severity of a disease or its symptoms) more than its rival drug Advair. Due to Spiriva's ability to increase lung function and decrease exacerbation, this will also decrease hospitalization and improve quality of life.

Once Daily Treatment

• Another advantage to using Spiriva instead of similar drugs is that it is only a once daily treatment. Most of the other medicines used to treat bronchitis, emphysema and COPD must be administered three times a day. This provides for less confusion when taking other medications.

Side Effects

• When taking any medication, patients should always take the side effects into account. Revolution Health warns that dry mouth may occur when taking Spiriva. Comparative medications such as Atrovent HFA (Ipratropium) sometimes cause headaches and dizziness.