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Compare Atrovent vs. Spiriva Handihaler

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Ipratropium (Atrovent) and tiotropium (Spiriva) are both inhaled medications used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They belong to the anticholinergic class of medications, but they differ in their specific subtypes and uses. Ipratropium is a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA), while tiotropium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). Ipratropium is typically used 3 to 4 times a day through a nebulizer, whereas tiotropium is used once daily with either the Spiriva HandiHaler or Spiriva Respimat inhalers. Tiotropium is also approved for treating asthma in people aged 6 years and older, but only with the Spiriva Respimat inhaler. Ipratropium is available as a generic, while only the Spiriva HandiHaler has a generic version. Common side effects of ipratropium include headache and cough, while tiotropium may cause dry mouth and upper respiratory tract infections. Both medications can cause serious allergic reactions and should not be used as rescue inhalers.

  • Ipratropium bromide
    Spiriva (tiotropium)
  • Ipratropium bromide
    Spiriva (tiotropium)

  • Summary of Atrovent vs. Spiriva Handihaler

    Summary for SAMA
    Prescription only

    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.

    Summary for LAMA
    Prescription only

    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.

  • Indications of Atrovent vs. Spiriva Handihaler

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
    Indications for
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    •Asthma in people age 6 years and older - Spiriva Respimat only

  • Pros and Cons of Atrovent vs. Spiriva Handihaler

    Pros and Const for SAMA
    Pros
    •Works well as a maintenance treatment for COPD
    •Doesn't really affect your heart rate
    •Can mix with albuterol if ipratropium bromide doesn't fully control your symptoms
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Takes about 5 to 15 minutes to receive the whole dose
    •Need to use with a nebulizer machine, which isn't ideal for someone who's on the go
    •Might need to be used multiple times per day because effects don't last long
    •Not a rescue medication
    Pros and Const for LAMA
    Pros
    •Helps prevent attacks or flare-ups
    •Has few side effects
    •Used once daily
    •Doesn't commonly cause a fast heart rate like some other bronchodilators
    •Available as a lower-cost generic (Spiriva HandiHaler only)
    Cons
    •Doesn't work fast enough to be used as a rescue inhaler for attacks
    •Can be difficult for some people to use
    •Can cause dry mouth as a side effect
    •Only Spiriva Respimat can be used for asthma in children 6 years and older
    •Spiriva Respimat is currently only available as brand name

  • Common Side Effects of Atrovent vs. Spiriva Handihaler

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

    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%)

  • Warnings of Atrovent vs. Spiriva Handihaler

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Atrovent vs. Spiriva Handihaler

    Learn more about Ipratropium bromide
    Learn more about Spiriva

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