Aclidinium - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Aclidinium is a drug to relieve symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, or wheezing, due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Please note that this drug can not cure COPD. Aclidinium should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription

Aclidinium works by relaxing the muscles in the respiratory tract. That way, the respiratory tract can widen and air flow to and from the lungs can be smoother.

Please note that this medication is not intended to treat sudden attacks of constriction of the airways (acute bronchospasm).

Aclidinium Trademark: Eklira Genuair

What is Aclidinium

Class	Prescription drugs
Categories	Anticholinergic bronchodilators
Benefits	Relieve COPD symptoms
Used by	Adult
Aclidinium for pregnant and lactating women	Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Aclidinium is not known whether it can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Medicine form	Inhalers

Warning Before Using Aclidinium

Aclidinium should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before using aclidinium:

• Do not use aclidinium if you are allergic to this medicine, atropine, or milk protein. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had an enlarged prostate gland, liver disease, glaucoma, or bladder disease.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, herbal products or supplements.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking aclidinium.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Aclidinium

Acilidinum is available in the form of an inhaled liquid that is used by inhalation through an inhaler. The dose and duration of aclidinium treatment will be determined by the doctor. In general, the dose to treat respiratory distress due to COPD is 1 inhalation containing 322 mcg of aclidinium, 2 times a day.

How to Use Aclidinium Correctly

Follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the medicine package before using aclidinium. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.

Before using the inhaler, make sure the suction edge of the mouth is clean and dry. Open the inhaler cap, then place the inhaler mouthpiece between your upper and lower teeth and close your mouth. Press the top of the inhaler to let the medicine out into the mouthpiece and inhale the medicine.

Wait a few seconds before releasing the inhaler, and breathe again as usual. After that, clean the inhaler with a dry tissue. Do not mix the inhaler for this medicine with other medicines.

Use aclidinium at the same time every day. If you forget to use it, immediately use aclidinium if the interval for the next use is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Store aclidinium at room temperature and in a closed container, so that it is not exposed to direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Aclidinium Interactions with Other Drugs

There are several effects of drug interactions that may occur if aclidinium is used with certain drugs, including:

• Increased side effects of aclidinium when used with anticholinergic bronchodilators, such as tiotropium or ipratropium
• Increased toxic effect of aclidinium when used with glucagon
• Decreased effectiveness of aclidinium when used with revefenacin
• Increased effectiveness of aclidinium when used with pramlintide

Aclidinium Side Effects and Dangers

Some of the side effects that can occur after using aclidinium are:

• Headache
• Cough
• Sore throat, stuffy nose, or runny nose
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Check with your doctor if the above complaints don't go away. See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic reaction to a drug or a more serious side effect, such as:

• Chest pain, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat
• Blurred vision, eye pain, or swollen eyes
• Difficulty or painful urination
• Unusual tiredness or fainting