Patient/caregiver was instructed upon therapeutic uses and mechanism of action of Spiriva as follows:
- Acetylcholine produced in the body, by acting on the muscarinic receptors in the smooth muscle, results in generalized contraction of smooth muscle in different organ systems.
- Smooth muscle in the respiratory tract and bronchi also has muscarinic receptors.
- Acetylcholine acting on these receptors brings on contraction of this smooth muscle, resulting in collapse of airways and difficulty breathing. Also, acetylcholine action on muscarinic receptors will increase the mucus secretions from mucus glands in the respiratory tract, thus contributing to the increased effort of breathing.
- Spiriva is a medication antagonizing the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors, thus inhibiting the respiratory and bronchial smooth muscle contraction.
- This inhibits the respiratory smooth muscle spasms, prevents collapse of airways, and thereby, promote airway patency, thus allowing more air exchange. Spiriva also helps with inhibiting the mucus secretions from the glands in the respiratory tract.
- Spiriva can be used in individuals with history of asthma and COPD, to help relax the bronchial smooth muscle, reduce the mucus secretions, and promote the ease of breathing.
