Humans tend to forget how lucky they are when they are in good health. The ability to live and breathe with ease is certainly one of the many privileges that is taken for granted. Breathlessness is one of the symptoms causing a person to have breathing issues and can be a sign of the many respiratory diseases. Some breathlessness symptoms are so severe that they might need to take medicine on a daily basis. There are a number of medicines to help relieve breathlessness such as SPIRIVA RESPIMAT 2.5 mg. SPIRIVA is a bronchodilator that is commonly used to help patient with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) breathe better. Since some breathlessness may need to take medicine on a daily basis, should SPIRIVA as the medication be used daily?
Yes, SPIRIVA should be used daily. In order for the medication to work effectively, it needs to be taken regularly. The recommended dose is 5 mcg which is 2 puffs of the medication that needs to be taken once daily. It is best to take it at the same time of the day to help patients remember to take it on a daily basis. Never inhale more than 2 sprays in 24 hours as this does not improve the drug’s effectiveness and may actually lead to side effects. Those using SPIRIVA for the first time or have not been using it for more than 3 days need to prime it first. Priming helps to make sure the medicine content is mixed well with the propellant. This ensures that when the SPIRIVA is used, the person is receiving the full dose of medicine when inhaling it. To prime, simply spray the medicine into the air away from the face for 3 times. A slow-moving mist is a sign that the inhaler is ready to be used. A person using SPIRIVA should be able to feel good changes to their breathing after taking doses as by the time RESPIRIVA has already reached its full potential.
For those new to SPIRIVA, you may wonder what exactly this medicine is all about. SPIRIVA RESPIMAT contains tiotropium bromide as its active ingredients. This medication is also known as a bronchodilator. A bronchodilator works by relaxing the muscles of the airway which then leads to expanding the airways. Such work is due to the effect of the anticholinergic. SPIRIVA RESPIMAT is known as a long-acting bronchodilator as it works for at least 12 hours. This is in contrast with short-acting bronchodilators as it works for approximately 4 hours. Long-acting bronchodilator is used to help control breathlessness symptoms in asthma and COPD. This medication is prescribed for those as young as 6 years old and above.
Similar to any other medicine, SPIRIVA does come with potential side effects. Remember, medications prescribed by doctors are medicine that brings benefits more than its side effects. Common side effects include dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, headache and sinus infection. Extra care needs to be taken when working with machines or driving as this medicine may cause dizzy or blurred vision. Should these side effects get worse, do talk with a healthcare provider first and never stop taking the medicine without doctor’s instructions. As mentioned, this medication works due to the anticholinergic effect. Hence, those with medical conditions such as kidney problems, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, difficulty passing urine or blockage in bladder need to inform their doctor before using this medication. This is because people with these conditions are at risk for side effects from the medication or worsening the symptoms of their current medical conditions.
It can be concluded that SPIRIVA RESPIMAT as a bronchodilator should be used daily as it helps patients to control breathlessness symptoms. Taking it on a regular basis will help to maximise the effectiveness of the drug and help to improve symptoms in the long run. Patients should be taking this medicine as long as they are needed to and to not stop taking it without clear instructions from the doctor. This medicine needs to be taken as directed by doctors by not increasing the puff or the number of times to take it in a day. Any side effects or unwanted discomforting effects from taking this medicine should be addressed to their healthcare provider. Side effects are usually mild and most people tolerate this medicine. However, in rare occurrences, serious side effects such as allergic reaction, worsening breathlessness right after using the medicine and eye pain or vision changes should mean a person needs to get medical advice immediately by visiting the emergency department.
SPIRIVA is used as a controller medicine and not as a rescue medicine. This means that a person should not be using this medicine during an asthma attack and they should be using short-acting bronchodilators instead. Patients need to understand the differences of bronchodilators and learn the right way to use them. Patients are often prescribed with more than one bronchodilator at a time and they may get confused or mistakenly use the wrong one for the wrong purpose. Thus, it is best for patients to make sure they use bronchodilators wisely and to get doctor’s advice if they are feeling unsure when using the medication.
