Definition
The active ingredient of the drug Spiriva® is tiotropium. It belongs to the group of so-called parasympatholytics. It is used in the context of so-called COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
The main symptoms of this disease are a chronic cough and increasing difficulty in breathing. Taking Spiriva® helps to counteract these symptoms. By dilating the bronchial tubes, it alleviates the shortness of breath and also reduces the occurrence of acute exacerbations of the disease through regular use.
Mode of action
The drug Spiriva® with its active ingredient tiotropium acts via parasympatheticcolysis. This means that it has an inhibitory effect on the receptors of the so-called parasympathetic nervous system. This, together with its antagonist, the sympathetic nervous system, is part of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system.
The two parts therefore have an opposite effect. Both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems act on most organs in the body via their own receptors. In simple terms, the parasympathetic nervous system reduces energy consumption, reduces the performance of the cardiovascular system and increases the absorption and digestion of food.
Spiriva® inhibits the receptors of the parasympathetic nervous system, thereby reducing its effect on the various organs. In the lungs, Spiriva® causes bronchial dilatation, as the parasympathetic nervous system is normally responsible for constriction in the lungs. Since the receptors belonging to the parasympathetic nervous system are also found in other organs, various side effects can occur.
Dosage form
Spiriva® is available in pharmacies in the form of capsules. These must be crushed into powder by a special inhalation device. One capsule should be inhaled once a day as a crushed powder.
The capsules should not be taken as a whole. Spiriva® is a long acting bronchodilator (bronchodilator). The drug is used as a long-term therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to dilate the airways to make it easier to breathe and reduce the symptoms of the disease in everyday life. Spiriva® should not be used in the treatment of children and adolescents as the manufacturer does not recommend it. In patients with enlargement of the prostate gland, narrow-angle glaucoma (an increase in intraocular pressure) or a narrowing of the bladder neck, use should be undertaken with caution.
