Tiotropium

Long-acting bronchodilator (anticholinergic)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Tiotropium is a long-acting bronchodilator (anticholinergic) found in 2 medicines sold in India, such as Tiova Rotacap, Spiriva. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Keeps the airways open for 24 hours in COPD.

How it works

A once-daily long-acting anticholinergic bronchodilator for COPD and some asthma.

How to take it

One dose once a day at the same time, using the inhaler device correctly; it is not a reliever.

Common side effects

  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Cough

Get medical help straight away if

  • Eye pain or blurred vision
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat

Be careful

Can cause dry mouth; not a reliever for sudden breathlessness.

Other medicines and interactions

Do not combine with other long-acting anticholinergic inhalers.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Inhaled bronchodilators are generally continued in pregnancy and breastfeeding, because uncontrolled breathing problems are the bigger risk; ask your doctor.

Brands of Tiotropium (2)

SpirivaTiova Rotacap

Common questions

What is Tiotropium used for?

Keeps the airways open for 24 hours in COPD.

How does Tiotropium work?

A once-daily long-acting anticholinergic bronchodilator for COPD and some asthma.

How should I take Tiotropium?

One dose once a day at the same time, using the inhaler device correctly; it is not a reliever.

What are the side effects of Tiotropium?

Common: Dry mouth, constipation, cough. Get help straight away for: Eye pain or blurred vision, difficulty passing urine, fast or irregular heartbeat.

Does Tiotropium interact with other medicines?

Do not combine with other long-acting anticholinergic inhalers.

Is Tiotropium safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Inhaled bronchodilators are generally continued in pregnancy and breastfeeding, because uncontrolled breathing problems are the bigger risk; ask your doctor.

Does Tiotropium need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Tiotropium?

Spiriva, Tiova Rotacap.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.