spiriva
Pharmaranks rates Spiriva 3.4/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Spiriva (Tiotropium Bromide) is an anticholinergic used to treat Pulmonary Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis.
Tiotropium Bromide · by Boehringer Ingelheim
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Tiotropium Bromide
- Drug class
- Anticholinergic
- Form
- Capsule
- Strength
- Tiotropium Bromide EQ 0.018MG BASE/INH
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- pulmonary emphysema, chronic bronchitis
- Manufacturer
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$353.74 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA021395
What is Spiriva?
From the FDA label:SPIRIVA HANDIHALER consists of SPIRIVA capsules and a HANDIHALER device. Each light green, hard gelatin SPIRIVA capsule contains a dry powder consisting of 18 mcg tiotropium (equivalent to 22.5 mcg tiotropium bromide monohydrate) blended with lactose monohydrate (which may contain milk proteins). The contents of SPIRIVA capsules are intended for oral inhalation only, and are intended for administration only with the HANDIHALER device. The active component of SPIRIVA HANDIHALER is tiotropium. The drug substance, tiotropium bromide monohydrate, is an anticholinergic with specificity for muscarinic receptors. It is chemically described as (1α, 2β, 4β, 5α, 7β)-7-[(Hydroxydi-2-thienylacetyl)oxy]-9,9-dimethyl-3-oxa-9-azoniatricyclo[3.3.1.0 2,4 ]nonane bromide monohydrate. It is a synthetic, non-chiral, quaternary ammonium compound. Tiotropium bromide is a white or yellowish white powder. It is sparingly soluble in water and soluble in methanol. The structural formula is: Tiotropium bromide (monohydrate) has a molecular mass of 490.4 and a molecular formula of C 19 H 22 NO 4 S 2 Br ∙ H 2 O. The HANDIHALER device is an inhalation device used to inhale the dry powder contained in the SPIRIVA capsule. The dry powder is delivered from the HANDIHALER device at flow rates as low as 20 L/min. Under standardized in vitro testing, the HANDIHALER device delivers a mean of 10.4 mcg tiotropium…
How to use
For oral inhalation only. Do not swallow SPIRIVA capsules, as the intended effects on the lungs will not be obtained. The contents of the SPIRIVA capsules should only be used with the HANDIHALER device [see Overdosage (10) ] . The recommended dosage of SPIRIVA HANDIHALER is two inhalations of the powder contents of one SPIRIVA capsule, once-daily, with the HANDIHALER device [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ] . Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. For administration of SPIRIVA HANDIHALER, a SPIRIVA capsule is placed into the center chamber of the HANDIHALER device. The SPIRIVA capsule is pierced by pressing and releasing the green piercing button on the side of the HANDIHALER device. The tiotropium formulation is dispersed into the air stream when the patient inhales through the mouthpiece [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ] . No dosage adjustment is required for geriatric, hepatically-impaired, or renally-impaired patients. However, patients with moderate to severe renal impairment given SPIRIVA HANDIHALER should be monitored closely for anticholinergic effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) , Use in Specific Populations (8.5 , 8.6 , 8.7) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . For oral inhalation only. DO NOT swallow SPIRIVA capsules. Only use SPIRIVA capsules with the HANDIHALER device ( 2 ) Two inhalations of the powder contents of a single SPIRIVA…
Side effects
The following adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: Immediate hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Paradoxical bronchospasm [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Worsening of urinary retention [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] The most common adverse reactions (>5% incidence in the 1-year placebo-controlled trials) were upper respiratory tract infection, dry mouth, sinusitis, pharyngitis, non-specific chest pain, urinary tract infection, dyspepsia, and rhinitis ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-542-6257 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the incidence of adverse reactions observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to the incidences in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the incidences observed in practice. 6-Month to 1-Year Trials The data described below reflect exposure to SPIRIVA HANDIHALER in 2,663 patients. SPIRIVA HANDIHALER was studied in two 1-year placebo-controlled trials, two 1-year active-controlled trials, and two 6-month placebo-controlled trials in patients with COPD. In these…
Warnings
Important safety information
Not for acute use: Not a rescue medication ( 5.1 ) Immediate hypersensitivity reactions: Discontinue SPIRIVA HANDIHALER at once and consider alternatives if immediate hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, urticaria, rash, bronchospasm, or anaphylaxis, occur. Use with caution in patients with severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins. ( 5.2 ) Paradoxical bronchospasm: Discontinue SPIRIVA HANDIHALER and consider other treatments if paradoxical bronchospasm occurs ( 5.3 ) Worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma may occur. Use with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma and instruct patients to consult a physician immediately if this occurs. ( 5.4 ) Worsening of urinary retention may occur. Use with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction and instruct patients to consult a physician immediately if this occurs. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Not for Acute Use SPIRIVA HANDIHALER is intended as a once-daily maintenance treatment for COPD and should not be used for relief of acute symptoms, i.e., as rescue therapy for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm. 5.2 Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions Immediate hypersensitivity reactions, including urticaria, angioedema (including swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat), rash, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis, or itching, may occur after administration of SPIRIVA HANDIHALER. If such a reaction occurs, therapy with SPIRIVA HANDIHALER should be stopped at once and alternative treatments should be considered. Given the similar structural formula of atropine to tiotropium, patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to atropine or its derivatives should be closely monitored for similar hypersensitivity reactions to SPIRIVA HANDIHALER. In addition, SPIRIVA HANDIHALER should be used with caution in patients with severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins. 5.3 Paradoxical Bronchospasm Inhaled medicines, including SPIRIVA HANDIHALER, may cause paradoxical bronchospasm. If this occurs, it should be treated immediately with an inhaled short-acting beta 2 -agonist such as albuterol. Treatment with SPIRIVA HANDIHALER should be stopped and other treatments considered. 5.4 Worsening of Narrow-Angle Glaucoma SPIRIVA HANDIHALER should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. Prescribers and patients should be alert for signs and symptoms of acute narrow-angle glaucoma (e.g., eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision, visual halos or colored images in association with red eyes from conjunctival congestion and corneal edema). Instruct patients to consult a physician immediately should any of these signs or symptoms develop. 5.5 Worsening of Urinary Retention SPIRIVA HANDIHALER should be used with caution in patients with urinary retention. Prescribers and patients should be alert for signs and symptoms of urinary retention (e.g., difficulty passing urine, painful urination), especially in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction. Instruct patients to consult a physician immediately should any of these signs or symptoms develop. 5.6 Renal Impairment As a predominantly renally excreted drug, patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance of <60 mL/min) treated with SPIRIVA HANDIHALER should be monitored closely for anticholinergic side effects [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Who should not take Spiriva
SPIRIVA HANDIHALER is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to tiotropium, ipratropium, or any components of this product [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . In clinical trials and postmarketing experience with SPIRIVA HANDIHALER, immediate hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema (including swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat), itching, or rash have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Hypersensitivity to tiotropium, ipratropium, or any components of SPIRIVA capsules ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
High doses of tiotropium may lead to anticholinergic signs and symptoms. However, there were no systemic anticholinergic adverse effects following a single inhaled dose of up to 282 mcg tiotropium in 6 healthy volunteers. In a study of 12 healthy volunteers, bilateral conjunctivitis and dry mouth were seen following repeated once-daily inhalation of 141 mcg of tiotropium. Treatment of overdosage consists of discontinuation of SPIRIVA HANDIHALER together with institution of appropriate symptomatic and/or supportive therapy. Accidental Ingestion Acute intoxication by inadvertent oral ingestion of SPIRIVA capsules is unlikely since it is not well-absorbed systemically. A case of overdose has been reported from postmarketing experience. A female patient was reported to have inhaled 30 capsules over a 2.5 day period, and developed altered mental status, tremors, abdominal pain, and severe constipation. The patient was hospitalized, SPIRIVA HANDIHALER was discontinued, and the constipation was treated with an enema. The patient recovered and was discharged on the same day.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Anticholinergics: May interact additively with concomitantly used anticholinergic medications. Avoid administration of SPIRIVA HANDIHALER with other anticholinergic-containing drugs. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Sympathomimetics, Methylxanthines, Steroids SPIRIVA HANDIHALER has been used concomitantly with short-acting and long-acting sympathomimetic (beta-agonists) bronchodilators, methylxanthines, and oral and inhaled steroids without increases in adverse reactions. 7.2 Anticholinergics There is potential for an additive interaction with concomitantly used anticholinergic medications. Therefore, avoid coadministration of SPIRIVA HANDIHALER with other anticholinergic-containing drugs as this may lead to an increase in anticholinergic adverse effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4 , 5.5) and Adverse Reactions (6) ] .
Drug class
How this class works, per Muscarinic Antagonists - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Spiriva ranks — best-rated anticholinergic for:
Dosage forms
Capsule
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- What does Spiriva treat?
- Spiriva (Tiotropium Bromide) may be used to treat pulmonary emphysema, chronic bronchitis, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Spiriva work?
- Spiriva is a anticholinergic. Anticholinergic drugs block acetylcholine, the chemical messenger of the body's "rest and digest" nervous system, by occupying its muscarinic receptors. This eases muscle spasms, dries up secretions, relaxes the bladder and airways, and speeds the heart, depending on the tissue.
- How is Spiriva rated?
- pharmaranks gives Spiriva a composite score of 3.4 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- How much does Spiriva cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $353.74 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins. Pharmacies pay less for a same-class option, Dicyclomine Hydrochloride — about $2.26 on the same basis.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Spiriva?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Spiriva. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Spiriva?
- Spiriva is marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim. You can see Boehringer Ingelheim's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Spiriva a brand-name or generic drug?
- Spiriva is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Tiotropium Bromide.
- Is Spiriva available over the counter?
- No. Spiriva is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Spiriva come in?
- Spiriva is currently marketed as capsule, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Spiriva?
- Spiriva is classified as anticholinergic, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Spiriva FDA-registered?
- Spiriva is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA021395. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Spiriva been recalled by the FDA?
- Yes. Spiriva has 5 recorded FDA recall events in the openFDA enforcement database. A recall removes specific lots from the market — usually for manufacturing, contamination, potency, or labeling issues — and does not mean the drug is unsafe to take; your specific lot was almost certainly never affected. This recall history is factored into its safety score above. Always check the FDA recall database or your pharmacist for current alerts.
- Is Spiriva safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Spiriva a recall-safety score of 68/100, based on its FDA recall history (5 recorded recall events) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Spiriva?
- Spiriva's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: Immediate hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Paradoxical bronchospasm [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
What people report to the FDA about TIOTROPIUM BROMIDE
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collects reports from patients and clinicians. It holds 12,232 reports naming TIOTROPIUM BROMIDE — the active ingredient in Spiriva, and the FDA flagged 91% of those reports as serious. The effects reported most often — leaving out reports about overdose, misuse or the condition being treated, which dominate the raw list for common medicines:
- dyspnoea3,303 reports
- asthma2,990 reports
- wheezing2,280 reports
- therapeutic product effect incomplete1,594 reports
- loss of personal independence in daily activities1,496 reports
- cough1,421 reports
- sleep disorder due to a general medical condition1,309 reports
- pneumonia1,127 reports
Read these as a signal, not a rate. A report does not mean TIOTROPIUM BROMIDE caused the effect — anyone can file one, and many describe people taking several medicines for several conditions. Crucially there is no denominator: FAERS does not record how many people took the drug, so these counts cannot be turned into “X% of patients” — a bigger number often just means a more widely used or more talked-about drug. Duplicates exist, and publicity drives reporting. For what is actually established, read the FDA label.
Source: openFDA drug/event (FAERS), retrieved September 26, 2026.
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spiriva
68/100