Clinical benefits of tiotropium, a new anticholinergic bronchodilator
Izquierdo Alonso, J.L.
Anales de Medicina Interna 19(12): 640-643
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0212-7199 PMID: 12593035 Document Number: 547427
Bronchodilators are, at the present time, the mainstay of symptomatic therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Anticholinergics are the first steep in the clinical management of these patients although its short half life constitutes a serious limitation in patients with persistent symptoms. However, there have been some important developments on this area. Tiotropium bromide, used once daily shows several clinical advantages when it is compared with ipratropium bromide or with long acting beta-2 agonists. This suggests than tiotropium bromide could be in coming years one of the first options for the treatment of COPD.