Spiriva and Dry Mouth

Several side effects are known to occur with Spiriva, and dry mouth is one of the most common. Suggestions that may provide relief include sipping water or sugarless drinks often, including during meals, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. If you continue to experience dry mouth with Spiriva, your healthcare provider may make other suggestions or switch you to a different medication.

 

Spiriva and Dry Mouth: An Overview

Spiriva® (tiotropium bromide) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dry mouth is one of the most common Spiriva side effects. In studies, up to 16 percent of people taking the drug experienced a dry mouth, compared to only 3 percent of those not taking it. Spiriva belongs to a group of medications known as anticholinergics, and dry mouth is one of the most common side effects of most anticholinergic medications.
 

Spiriva and Dry Mouth: Recommendations

If you are taking Spiriva and dry mouth occurs, there are some things that you can do to obtain relief. Some of these suggestions include the following:
 
  • Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
     
  • Sip water or sugarless drinks often.
     
  • Sip water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier; it may also improve the taste of food.
     
  • Don't use tobacco or alcohol, because they dry out the mouth.
     
  • Use a humidifier at night.
     
  • Be aware of spicy or salty foods, because they may cause pain in a dry mouth.
     
  • Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon- or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
     
(Spiriva and Dry Mouth Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;