How do tiotropium inhalers work?
Tiotropium is a bronchodilator medicine. It's not a steroid.
Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles of the airways into the lungs. This makes it easier to breathe.
Tiotropium may also be called an anticholinergic (or antimuscarinic), which is a type of bronchodilator. Anticholinergics widen the airways by blocking certain nerves that can cause the muscles lining the airways to tighten.
When will I feel better?
A tiotropium inhaler does not work straight away.
You'll usually start to find it easier to breathe after using a tiotropium inhaler for 3 to 7 days.
It's a long-acting medicine, which means that once you use your inhaler, the medicine is slowly released in your body. This means that you can use the inhaler just once a day. It's important to use it regularly to help prevent symptoms.
Once your symptoms have improved, you may find you need to use your other inhaler (called a reliever) less often.
If your shortness of breath or wheezing does not get better after 7 days of using a tiotropium inhaler, or if it gets worse, let your doctor or nurse know as soon as possible.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Tiotropium is a safe medicine. There's no evidence that it causes any lasting problems even if you use it for many years.
What will happen if I stop using it?
Do not stop using your tiotropium inhaler without speaking to your doctor first.
If you have an inhaler to control your asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your breathing problems may return if you suddenly stop using it.
You might feel wheezy or short of breath. Your chest may feel tight and you could start to cough.
How does it compare with other medicines for breathing problems?
As well as tiotropium inhalers there are other preventer inhalers that contain a similar type of medicine, such as glycopyrronium and umeclidinium. There are also other types of long-acting bronchodilator inhalers such as formoterol and salmeterol.
Other types of inhalers that can help prevent symptoms of COPD or asthma are steroid inhalers, such as beclometasone or fluticasone.
They may be used in different combinations to help you breathe more easily and prevent other symptoms.
Will it affect my contraception?
Tiotropium does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
For most people, using a tiotropium inhaler will not affect their ability to drive a car or cycle.
However, if your eyesight is affected in any way or you are dizzy, do not drive or cycle.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while using tiotropium. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I drink alcohol while using tiotropium inhalers?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while using tiotropium inhalers.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
You can eat and drink normally while using tiotropium inhalers.
Can lifestyle changes help with asthma or COPD?
There are several things you can do to help your condition when you're living with asthma or living with COPD. These include:
- quitting smoking – not smoking can significantly reduce how severe and frequent your symptoms are
- exercising regularly – exercise is unlikely to trigger your symptoms once you're on appropriate treatment
- eating healthily – aim for a healthy, balanced diet and lose excess weight if you need to
- getting vaccinated – it's a good idea to have the annual flu vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine when offered, and the COVID-19 vaccine if you're eligible
- trying an air filter – they do not remove all the allergens but some people find they help their symptoms