Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Spiriva as follows:
- Spiriva use can result in dry mouth, reduced acid secretion in the stomach, indigestion, decreased bowel activity, bloating, and constipation. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use. Observing compliance with fiber intake recommendations in the diet can also help with preventing episodes of constipation with the medication. Report any bothersome complaint of indigestion to your physician for further recommendation.
- Spiriva use should normally help with relaxation of the airways and improve the ease of breathing. But, use of Spiriva occasionally can paradoxically result in narrowing of airways, exacerbation of dyspnea and shortness of breath, and increased effort of breathing. This side-effect of Spiriva intake can lead to complications in individuals with history of asthma, COPD, and other breathing disorders. Promptly report to your physician regarding any incidents of exacerbation of shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, following Spiriva use, so that, a change in plan of care could be considered.
