Spiriva dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes Spiriva inhaler’s dosage and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Spiriva. If you want to know more about Spiriva, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.

Spiriva is a brand-name medication that comes as an inhalation powder (Spiriva Handihaler) and inhalation spray (Spiriva Respimat). Spiriva Handihaler is available in a generic version called tiotropium. Spiriva Respimat isn’t available in a generic version. This article describes dosages of Spiriva Handihaler and Spiriva Respimat.

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Forms and strengths of Spiriva

Spiriva comes in these forms and strengths. The strength is expressed in micrograms (mcg): 

Dosage of Spiriva

This article describes the recommended dosages for Spiriva inhaler. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Spiriva without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of Spiriva in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Spiriva. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Spiriva that gives the desired outcome. The dosages are expressed in micrograms (mcg)

Dosage for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Dosage of Spiriva in children

Spiriva Respimat is prescribed to treat asthma in children ages 6 years and older. The recommended dose is the same as that for adults described in the section above. Note that Spiriva Handihaler is not approved for use in children.

Talk with your child’s doctor if you have additional questions regarding your child’s Spiriva Respimat dose.

Missed dose of Spiriva

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Spiriva inhaler. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of Spiriva inhaler and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Spiriva inhaler and its dosage.

Can I use Spiriva twice per day?

Spiriva inhaler is not approved to be used twice per day. However, a doctor may still prescribe this dose “off-label“. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. Off-label use also includes prescribing an approved drug at a non-approved dose.

Your doctor or pharmacist can answer additional questions you have about Spiriva inhaler and off-label use.

Is Spiriva used long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe Spiriva inhaler as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should use Spiriva inhaler, talk with your doctor.

How Spiriva is used

You’ll inhale Spiriva once per day. How you use it depends on the form of Spiriva you’re prescribed, which depends on the condition it’s prescribed to treat.

• Spiriva Handihaler is prescribed to treat COPD. To use this form, you’ll place one Spiriva capsule into your Handihaler device. Close the mouthpiece firmly until you hear a click. Holding the device pointing up, press the green button on the side of the device until it is flat, then release it. You’re now ready to inhale your dose. Close your lips around the mouthpiece and breathe in deeply until you hear or feel the Spiriva capsule vibrate. After holding your breath for a few seconds, take the device out of your mouth and breathe out. You’ll then re-insert the device into your mouth and repeat the process to get the full dose (2 puffs).
• Spiriva Respimat is prescribed to treat asthma or COPD. To use this form, turn the base of the Respimat following the directional arrows on the label. You should hear a click after a half-turn. Open the cap and place the Respimat device into your mouth. As you begin to breathe in, press the dose-release button on the Respimat device. Continue breathing in as deep as you can, then hold your breath for up to ten seconds. Next, remove the device from your mouth and breathe out. You’ll repeat this “turn, open, press” process again to get the full dose (2 puffs).

For full instructions on using Spiriva, check out instructions from the drugmaker on how to use Spiriva Handihaler and Spiriva Respimat. You talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Spiriva coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Spiriva inhaler when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

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Overdose of Spiriva

It’s important that you do not use more Spiriva than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of Spiriva overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• dry mouth
• dry throat
• dry nasal passages
• dry eyes
• constipation

What to do if you use too much Spiriva

If you think you’ve used too much Spiriva, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Spiriva inhaler. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of Spiriva without your doctor’s recommendation. You should use Spiriva inhaler exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Why do Spiriva Handihaler and Spiriva Respimat come in different strengths if they have the same active ingredient (what makes a drug work)?
• Can you show me how to use Spiriva Handihaler or Respimat when I start the treatment?
• If I have COPD, how will we decide if I should use Spiriva Handihaler or Spiriva Respimat?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.