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Atrovent vs. Spiriva Handihaler

Ipratropium bromide is an inhaled medication used to help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It's an inhaled anticholinergic that works by opening up your airways so you can breathe easier. The medication is administered through a nebulizer machine and inhaled through the mouth 3 to 4 times a day. Common side effects include headache and cough.

• Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults

• Bronchitis (15%)
• Upper respiratory tract infections (13%)
• Shortness of breath (10%)
• Headache (6%)
• Cough (5%)

• Severe allergic reactions
• Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
• Risk of eye and vision problems
• Trouble urinating

Spiriva (tiotropium) is a medication used to help control chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. There are two different Spiriva inhalers: Spiriva Respimat is a metered-dose inhaler, and Spiriva HandiHaler is a device that you place a capsule of medication into before you take the medication. The typical dosage for Spiriva (tiotropium) is two inhalations once a day, but the dose depends on the reason you're using it. Side effects include dry mouth, cough, and upper respiratory tract infections. Only Spiriva HandiHaler is also available as a generic version.

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma in people age 6 years and older - Spiriva Respimat only

Spiriva HandiHaler and generic

• Upper respiratory tract infection (41%)
• Dry mouth (16%)
• Sinus inflammation (11%)
• Sore throat (9%)
• Urinary tract infection (7%)
• Chest pain (7%)

Spiriva Respimat

• Sore throat (12%)
• Cough (6%)
• Dry mouth (4%)
• Sinus inflammation (3%)

• Not a rescue inhaler
• Allergic reaction
• Sudden airway tightening (paradoxical bronchospasm)
• Worsening glaucoma
• Urination problems
• Higher risk for side effects in people with kidney problems