Medications

3) Relievers – long acting (LAMA)

Long acting relievers work in a similar way to the short acting anti-muscarinics but as the name suggest, their effect lasts for longer, 12-24 hours, depending on drug. If you are taking one of these long acting anti-muscarinics, then you should no longer be taking a short acting anti-muscarinic (ipratropium).

View text alternative

Medicine name Device How its taken Side effects
Tiotropium (Spiriva®) Handihaler, Respimat Reliever – taken regularly once a day. All medicines have side-effects

  • The most common side effect is dry mouth. Eating citrus fruits (e.g. oranges) or taking sips of water may help.
  • Other possible side effects are constipation, diarrhoea, cough and headache. These drugs are not normally used if people suffer from certain bladder conditions or angle-closure glaucoma.
  • Information on other side-effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet in the pack or on the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) website.

These side effects are short lasting and common. They are not a reason to stop taking the inhaler. Most people tolerate these mild side effects. If you are in any doubt contact your GP or respiratory team.
Aclidinium (Eklira®) Genuair Reliever – taken once every morning and evening. All medicines have side-effects

  • The most common side effect is dry mouth. Eating citrus fruits (e.g. oranges) or taking sips of water may help.
  • Other possible side effects are constipation, diarrhoea, cough and headache. These drugs are not normally used if people suffer from certain bladder conditions or angle-closure glaucoma.
  • Information on other side-effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet in the pack or on the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) website.

These side effects are short lasting and common. They are not a reason to stop taking the inhaler. Most people tolerate these mild side effects. If you are in any doubt contact your GP or respiratory team.
Glyccopyronium (Seebri®) Breezhaler Reliever – taken regularly once a day. All medicines have side-effects

  • The most common side effect is dry mouth. Eating citrus fruits (e.g. oranges) or taking sips of water may help.
  • Other possible side effects are constipation, diarrhoea, cough and headache. These drugs are not normally used if people suffer from certain bladder conditions or angle-closure glaucoma.
  • Information on other side-effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet in the pack or on the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) website.

These side effects are short lasting and common. They are not a reason to stop taking the inhaler. Most people tolerate these mild side effects. If you are in any doubt contact your GP or respiratory team.
Umeclidnium (Incruse®) Ellipta Reliever – taken regularly once a day. All medicines have side-effects

  • The most common side effect is dry mouth. Eating citrus fruits (e.g. oranges) or taking sips of water may help.
  • Other possible side effects are constipation, diarrhoea, cough and headache. These drugs are not normally used if people suffer from certain bladder conditions or angle-closure glaucoma.
  • Information on other side-effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet in the pack or on the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) website.

These side effects are short lasting and common. They are not a reason to stop taking the inhaler. Most people tolerate these mild side effects. If you are in any doubt contact your GP or respiratory team.

Please note:

These are the most commonly used inhalers at the time of publication of this website. If you do not see your inhaler you can speak to your GP or pharmacist or check the patient information leaflet for your inhaler and medication.