Indications
- Stiolto Respimat is indicated for the long-term maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.
- It is approved for use as a maintenance treatment in COPD patients who are experiencing symptoms despite treatment with a long-acting bronchodilator.
- Stiolto Respimat is specifically indicated to improve lung function and reduce exacerbations in patients with COPD.
- The medication is a combination of two bronchodilators: tiotropium, an anticholinergic, and olodaterol, a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA).
- Stiolto Respimat is administered via inhalation using the Respimat inhaler device, providing a convenient and effective method for COPD management.
Dosage and administration
- Stiolto Respimat is available as an inhalation solution contained in a Respimat inhaler device.
- The recommended dosage is 2 puffs once daily, administered at the same time each day.
- Each puff delivers 2.5 micrograms of tiotropium and 2.5 micrograms of olodaterol.
- The inhaler should be primed before the first use or if not used for more than 3 days by releasing four test sprays into the air, away from the face.
- Patients should exhale fully before placing the mouthpiece of the inhaler in their mouth and closing their lips around it.
- Upon inhalation, patients should take a slow, deep breath and hold it for 10 seconds to allow the medication to reach deep into the lungs.
- After use, patients should replace the cap on the inhaler to protect it from dust and debris.
- It’s important for patients to clean the inhaler once a week by wiping the mouthpiece with a clean, dry tissue. No disassembly or washing is required.
Side effects
- Common side effects include:
- Cough
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Sinusitis
- Pharyngitis
- Headache
- Back pain
- Oropharyngeal pain
- Bronchitis
- Less common side effects may include:
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Palpitations
- Arrhythmias
- Hypertension
- Tremor
- Dysphonia (difficulty speaking)
- Dry mouth
- Gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation, diarrhea, and nausea
- Rare but serious side effects may include:
- Paradoxical bronchospasm (sudden narrowing of the airways)
- Hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema, rash, and urticaria
- Worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma
- Urinary retention
- Patients should report any new or worsening symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.
Precautions
- Before starting Stiolto Respimat, patients should inform their healthcare provider about their medical history, especially if they have a history of heart problems, seizures, thyroid disorders, or narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements they are taking, especially other anticholinergic medications or LABAs.
- Stiolto Respimat should be used with caution in patients with urinary retention, prostatic hyperplasia, or bladder neck obstruction, as it may worsen these conditions.
- Patients with known hypersensitivity to tiotropium, olodaterol, or any of the ingredients in Stiolto Respimat should not use this medication.
- Stiolto Respimat should not be used as a rescue medication for acute bronchospasm or sudden breathing difficulties. Patients should have a short-acting bronchodilator for rescue use.
- Patients should be advised about the risk of paradoxical bronchospasm (sudden narrowing of the airways) and instructed to discontinue Stiolto Respimat and seek medical attention if this occurs.
- Stiolto Respimat can cause cardiovascular effects such as increased heart rate, palpitations, and hypertension. Patients with cardiovascular conditions should be monitored closely while using this medication.
- Patients should be instructed on proper inhaler technique and advised to avoid getting the medication in their eyes, as it may cause eye pain or discomfort.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use Stiolto Respimat only if the potential benefits justify the potential risks to the fetus or infant, as the safety of this medication in pregnancy and lactation has not been established.