[Experimental inhalation therapy with nebulized tiotropium in COPD patients unable to use the Handihaler].
BACKGROUND
We report the efficacy and safety of experimentally nebulized tiotropium use. We identified 19 elderly very severe COPD (GOLD stage IV) inpatients unable to use tiotropium in the Handihaler by themselves from January 2008 through May 2009. The contents of an 18 microg capsule of tiotropium were dissolved in 5 ml saline and nebulized via a nebulizer.


RESULTS
Nebulized tiotropium improved the symptoms of all COPD patients, and the ADL scores of 12 COPD patients. All COPD patients tolerated nebulized tiotropium well, although mild dry mouth was reported by a single COPD patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Tiotropium therapy for COPD patients is recommended in all GOLD stages. Our report showed that COPD patients (GOLD stage IV) who had difficulties using a tiotropium Handihaler benefitted from nebulized tiotropium. This helped them to continue their COPD therapy and was demonstrated to be an effective and well tolerated treatment option.
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kanamecho Hospital.
Takayuki
T
Yoshizawa
Motoki
M
Iwashiro
Akitaka
A
Yoshizawa
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000069447:Tiotropium Bromide
D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives; D000069447:Tiotropium Bromide