Anticholinergics for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)ExamplesPrescription anticholinergics
Prescription anticholinergic and short-acting beta2-agonist combination
Prescription anticholinergic and long-acting beta2-agonist combination
Aclidinium is available for use only in a dry powder inhaler. Ipratropium alone and combined with albuterol is available in metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and nebulizer forms. One medicine may be available in multiple forms. Your doctor will help you decide which form is best for you. Tiotropium is available only as a powder for inhalation in a dry powder inhaler. How It WorksAnticholinergics relax and enlarge (dilate) the airways in the lungs, making breathing easier ( bronchodilators ). They may protect the airways from spasms that can suddenly cause the airway to become narrower (bronchospasm). They also may reduce the amount of mucus produced by the airways. Why It Is UsedAnticholinergics typically are considered first-line therapy for treating persistent symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . Because these medicines may take some time to have an effect on breathing, they usually are taken on a regular schedule. They are used for both short- and long-term relief of symptoms. There are two types of anticholinergics: short-acting and long-acting. The short-acting type relieves symptoms and the long-acting type helps prevent breathing problems. Short-acting anticholinergics are used for treating stable COPD in a person whose symptoms come and go (intermittent symptoms). Long-acting anticholinergics are effective and convenient for preventing and treating COPD in a person whose symptoms do not go away (persistent symptoms). How Well It WorksA number of studies show that inhaled anticholinergics improve lung function as measured by tests ( spirometry ). Tiotropium also can help lower the number of COPD exacerbations. footnote 1 In some cases, your doctor may prescribe more than one type of medicine to help you manage COPD. Side EffectsAll medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine. Here are some important things to think about:
Call your doctor right away if you have:
Common side effects of this medicine include:
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.) What To Think AboutAnticholinergics typically are thought of as the first-line treatment for the persistent symptoms in most cases of COPD. But short-acting beta2-agonists may be the first choice for treating symptoms of stable COPD that come and go (intermittent symptoms). If you have the eye disease glaucoma , talk with an eye doctor before you start taking anticholinergics. People who have glaucoma may need to be watched more closely while they are taking these medicines. Spirometry may be done before and after you try an anticholinergic for the first time to see whether the medicine has had an effect. But even if the medicine has no measurable effect on your lung function, it still may improve your quality of life. Nebulizers normally are no better at delivering anticholinergics deep into the lungs than a properly used metered-dose inhaler. Sometimes your doctor may prescribe a nebulizer. A nebulizer can deliver a very large dose of medicine, but it also may increase side effects of the medicine. Most doctors recommend that everyone using a metered-dose inhaler also use a spacer . But you should not use a spacer with a dry powder inhaler (DPI). Taking medicineMedicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk. There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed. Advice for womenIf you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant. CheckupsFollow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication. Current as of: March 25, 2017 Drugs for asthma and COPD (2013). Treatment Guidelines From The Medical Letter, 11(132): 75-86.
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Anticholinergics for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)Current as of: March 25, 2017 |
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