Introduction

Handihaler is a single dose Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) device. It delivers medicine in the form of dry powder contained in a capsule. Dry Powder Inhalers like Handihaler are easier to use than metered dose inhalers because they don't require hand and breath co-ordination. Handihaler is a breath actuated inhaler that means that one draws the medication from the device using force of one’s own breath.

Spiriva® HandiHaler®

Spiriva Handihaler (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder) is a prescription medicine used once each day (a maintenance medicine) to control symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing your airways and keeping them open. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema or both. Spiriva HandiHaler consists of a capsule dosage form containing a dry powder formulation of tiotropium intended for oral inhalation only with the HandiHaler device. Each light green, hard gelatin Spiriva capsule contains 18 mcg tiotropium (equivalent to 22.5 mcg tiotropium bromide monohydrate) blended with lactose monohydrate (which may contain milk proteins) as the carrier. The dry powder formulation within the SPIRIVA capsule is intended for oral inhalation only.