Indications
Umeclidinium is an inhaler used every day for the long-term treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It helps keep the airways open, eases breathlessness and can reduce flare-ups. It is not a reliever (rescue) inhaler for sudden attacks and is not used for asthma. It is also available combined with Vilanterol, or with Vilanterol and Fluticasone furoate, in a single inhaler.
How It Works
Umeclidinium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). It blocks the action of acetylcholine, a chemical that makes the muscles around the airways tighten. The airway muscles stay relaxed and the airways stay wider for about 24 hours, making breathing easier.
Dosage and Administration
Adults: one inhalation (62.5 mcg) once a day, at the same time each day. Do not use it more than once a day.
- Open the cover of the dry powder inhaler fully until you hear a click. Do not shake it.
- Breathe out fully, away from the mouthpiece.
- Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and take one long, steady, deep breath in.
- Hold your breath for 3 to 4 seconds, or as long as is comfortable, then breathe out slowly and close the cover.
If you miss a dose, take the next one at the usual time the next day; do not take two doses together. Keep your reliever inhaler (such as Salbutamol) with you for sudden breathlessness.
Interactions
Do not use with other long-acting anticholinergic inhalers such as Tiotropium or Glycopyrronium, and avoid regular use with Ipratropium, because the effects and side effects add up. Other medicines with anticholinergic effects may also add to side effects such as dry mouth and difficulty passing urine.
Contraindications
- Allergy to umeclidinium or any ingredient of the inhaler.
- Severe allergy to milk protein, because the powder contains lactose.
Side Effects
Common: cold-like symptoms, sore throat, cough, headache, fast heartbeat, constipation and urinary tract infection. Less common: dry mouth, rash and irregular heartbeat.
Get urgent medical help if your breathing or wheeze suddenly gets worse right after using the inhaler (use your reliever inhaler and stop umeclidinium), if you have eye pain, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights or red eyes (signs of acute glaucoma), if you cannot pass urine or it is very painful, if you have chest pain or a very irregular heartbeat, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is little information on use in pregnancy, so use it only if the doctor decides the benefit outweighs any possible risk. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk; ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Do not use it to treat a sudden attack of breathlessness. Tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine, or a heart rhythm problem or recent heart attack. See your doctor if your breathing gets worse or you need your reliever inhaler more often than usual. Do not stop using it without advice, even if you feel better.
Overdose
Using too much may cause dry mouth, blurred vision, a fast heartbeat and difficulty passing urine. Seek medical advice; get urgent help if symptoms are severe.
Therapeutic Class
Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), inhaled bronchodilator.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place and out of the reach of children. Keep the inhaler in its sealed tray until first use, and use it within 6 weeks of opening the tray, or as the leaflet says.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.