Aclidinium is a drug to relieve the symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, or wheezing as a result of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It should be noted that this medicine is not to deal with sudden attacks of shortness of breath or wheezing (acute bronchospasm).
Aclidinium belongs to the group of anticholinergic bronchodilator drugs. This drug works by relaxing the muscles in the respiratory tract. That way, the respiratory tract can widen and the flow of air from and to the lungs can be smoother.
It should be noted that this medicine only relieves the symptoms, but cannot cure COPD. Aclidinium is available in the form of an inhalation liquid that is used by inhalation through an inhaler. This drug should not be used casually and should be in accordance with the doctor’s prescription.
Aclidinium trademark: Eklira Genuair
What is Aclidinium?
| Group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Bronchodilators of the anticholinergic type |
| Benefits | Relieves COPD symptoms |
| Used by | Adult |
| Aclidinium for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Studies on experimental animals show side effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies on pregnant women.This medicine can only be used if the magnitude of the expected benefit exceeds the magnitude of the risk to the fetus.It is not yet known whether aclidinium can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without your doctor’s permission. |
| Drug form | Inhaler |
Warnings Before Using Aclidinium
Here are some things you need to pay attention to before using aclidinium:
- Do not use aclidinium if you are allergic to this drug, atropine, or milk proteins. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are suffering from prostate gland enlargement, liver disease, kidney disease, glaucoma, or bladder disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are using certain drugs, herbal products, or supplements, to anticipate the occurrence of drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
- See a doctor immediately if an allergic drug reaction occurs after using aclidinium.
Dosage and Administration of Aclidinium
In general, the dose to overcome respiratory disorders due to COPD is 1 inhalation (322 mcg aclidinium), as many as 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 the doctor’s approval.
To use the inhaler, open the cap and make sure the edges are clean and dry. Before inhaling, exhale as much as possible and hold your breath. Immediately position the inhaler mouthpiece between the upper and lower teeth, then close your mouth to the sides of the mouthpiece .
Press the top of the inhaler so that the medicine comes out, then suck the medicine deeply. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then breathe again as usual. Afterwards, clean the inhaler with a dry tissue.
Use aclidinium at the same time every day. If you forget to use it, immediately use this medicine when the interval with the next dose schedule is not too close. If it’s close, ignore it and don’t double the dose.
Store aclidinium in a closed container at room temperature so that it is not exposed to direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
Aclidinium Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several drug interaction effects that may occur if aclidinium is used with other drugs, including:
- Increased side effects of aclidinium if used with anticholinergic bronchodilators, such as tiotropium or ipratropium
- Decreased effectiveness of aripiprazole, olanzapine, or clozapine
- Increased risk of levodopa side effects, such as tardive dyskinesia
To avoid unwanted interaction effects, consult a doctor before using aclidinium together with other drugs.
Side Effects and Dangers of Aclidinium
Some of the side effects that can occur after using aclidinium are:
- Headache
- Cough
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Check yourself with a doctor if the complaints above do not subside. See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Heart palpitations or faster heart rate
- Blurred vision, eye pain, or swollen eyes
- Difficulty urinating
- Unusual tiredness
References
Smith, J., et al. (2019). The Effect of Aclidinium on Symptoms Including Cough in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Phase 4, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 200 (5), pp. 642–645.
Wise, R., et al. (2019). Effect of Aclidinium Bromide on Major Cardiovascular Events and Exacerbations in High-Risk Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. JAMA, 321(17), pp. 1693.
National Institutes of Health (2019). Medline Plus. Aclidinium Oral Inhalation.
RI Drug and Food Supervisory Body (2023). Check BPOM Products. Aclidinium.
Cleveland Clinic (2023). Drugs, Devices & Supplements. Aclidinium Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI).
Mayo Clinic (2023). Aclidinium (Inhalation Route).
Drugs (2023). Aclidinium.
Medscape (2021). Aclidinium (Rx).
WebMD. Aclidinium Bromide 400 Mcg/Actuation Breath Activated Powder Inhaler.