Tiotropium vs. Atrovent for COPD: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Spiriva HandiHaler

ipratropium bromide

Summary for Tiotropium

Prescription only

Spiriva HandiHaler (tiotropium) is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). It helps control chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. It comes as an inhaler that uses capsules filled with the medication. The usual dose is two inhalations from the same capsule once a day. Side effects can include dry mouth and upper respiratory tract infections.

Indications for Tiotropium

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

Pros and Cons for Tiotropium

Pros

Helps prevent COPD flare-ups
Used once daily
Most side effects are mild
Doesn't contain steroids

Cons

Not used as a rescue inhaler for attacks
Can be hard for some people to use
Can cause dry mouth as a side effect
Not approved for asthma

Common Side Effects for Tiotropium

Upper respiratory tract infection (41%)
Dry mouth (16%)
Sinus inflammation (11%)
Sore throat (9%)
Urinary tract infection (7%)
Chest pain (7%)
Indigestion (6%)
Runny, itchy, or stuffy nose (6%)

Warnings for Tiotropium

Not a rescue inhaler
Serious allergic reactions
Sudden airway tightening (bronchospasm)
Worsening glaucoma
Trouble urinating
Higher risk of side effects with kidney problems

Summary for Atrovent

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.

Indications for Atrovent

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

Pros and Cons for Atrovent

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

Common Side Effects for Atrovent

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

Warnings for Atrovent

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

Prices with our coupons for Tiotropium vs. Atrovent

Tiotropium1 inhaler / 30 capsules of 18mcg per capsule

$76.57$362.29

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Ipratropium1 nasal spray / 15ml of 0.06%

$20.14$48.39

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Tiotropium vs. Atrovent

Spiriva HandiHaler

ipratropium bromide

Summary for Tiotropium

Indications for Tiotropium

Pros and Cons for Tiotropium

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tiotropium

Warnings for Tiotropium

Summary for Atrovent

Indications for Atrovent

Pros and Cons for Atrovent

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Atrovent

Warnings for Atrovent

Prices with our coupons for Tiotropium vs. Atrovent

Compare other COPD drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Spiriva HandiHaler

ipratropium bromide

Summary for Tiotropium

Indications for Tiotropium

Pros and Cons for Tiotropium

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tiotropium

Warnings for Tiotropium

Summary for Atrovent

Indications for Atrovent

Pros and Cons for Atrovent

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Atrovent

Warnings for Atrovent