Tiotropium
Also known as: Spiriva, Braltus
What it's for
Tiotropium opens your airways for 24 hours. It helps you breathe more easily if you have COPD or asthma. It is a maintenance inhaler, not for sudden breathing problems.
Comes as: Inhaler or capsules for inhalation
How to take it
- Usually one inhalation once a day, at the same time each day.
- Spiriva Respimat: 2 puffs once daily.
- HandiHaler: Inhale the powder from one capsule daily.
- Do not swallow the capsules.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Urinary tract infection
- Headache
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Not for relieving sudden breathlessness - use your blue inhaler for that
- Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or prostate problems
- Avoid getting the spray in your eyes
- Rinse your mouth after use
Get medical help urgently if…
- Your breathing suddenly gets worse
- You have eye pain, blurred vision, or see halos around lights
- You have difficulty passing urine
- You have a severe allergic reaction
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.