New drug for COPD lets patients breathe more easily
The FDA recently approved tiotropium (Spiriva HandiHaler, Pfizer/Boehringer-Ingelheim) inhalation powder for the long-term, once-daily, maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD, including bronchitis and emphysema. In the airways, tiotropium inhibits muscarinic (M3) receptors at the smooth muscle, leading to bronchodilation. The manufacturer anticipates that tiotropium will be available in pharmacies by mid-year.
Newsletter
Pharmacy practice is always changing. Stay ahead of the curve with the Drug Topics newsletter and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips.
Related Content
