Medication use

           Misadventures of Tiotropium

Tiotropium belongs to the class of anti-cholinergics available in two dosage forms that are solution and powder-containing capsules

Along with other medications the patient with COPD, Asthma, and emphysema use it and by relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchi and lungs it helps to ease the breathing problems that occur because of the above-mentioned chronic diseases. .. 

Tiotropium is available in the form of rotacaps containing inhalation powder that must be inhaled through a device called a Handihaler, patient or (caregiver) need to load that rotacap into the device to be punctured and its content inhaled in. ..

 But I have seen some silly things happening because people are not aware enough that how they should use these capsules to get maximum efficacy and that's where the pharmacist's role is required to educate patients

there is no need to emphasize patient education here. is it?? .. 

Handihaler device has led to some confusion in the patient which led to some misadventures.. 

here are a few examples. . 

 Example 1: A patient came and asked, he has been using the capsule by taking it with a full glass of water instead of putting it into the device ..  

Example 2: In another case, a female said she has been using capsules by breaking them down and dissolving their content into the water and drinking it. ..  

Example 3: A patient came and said instead of tiotropium he has been puncturing Gabapentin in the device .. 

Patients have been asking what happens if we use them in that way.

I didn't find any negative outcomes because of these tiotropium misadventures but the potential for adverse effects and decreased clinical efficacy in COPD without the proper use of the device exists. 

What was your favorite memorable medication misadventure? you can share with us... 

 

                                                                                                    Dr.Umair(Rph) 

                                                                                            (umairmian666@gmail.com)