Compare Atrovent vs. Spiriva

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Atrovent (ipratropium)

Prescription only

Spiriva (Tiotropium)

Prescription only
Controls COPD.

First choice inhaler for controlling mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Makes it easier to breathe.

Spiriva (Tiotropium) works well to reduce COPD symptoms and flare-ups with fewer side effects than some medicines that open airways, but you have to use it every day.

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3.5/ 5 average rating with 74 reviewsforSpiriva
Upsides
  • The nebulizer is available in generic.
  • Available in combination with albuterol in case Atrovent (ipratropium) by itself is not enough to control your symptoms.
  • Helps you breathe easier and lessens the need for a fast-acting (rescue) inhaler.
  • Reduces flare-ups and hospitalizations with fewer side effects compared to some other medicines that open airways.
  • You only need to take it once a day.
Downsides
  • Effects don't last long so it needs to be used multiple times a day.
  • Doesn't work fast enough to be used as a rescue inhaler for COPD attacks.
  • The inhaler is only available in brand name.
  • Won't cure your COPD (but it will relieve your symptoms).
  • You'll need to use this medicine for a long time, and you have to take it every day.
  • Can make symptoms of enlarged prostate or urinary blockage worse.
  • Can worsen a certain type of glaucoma.
  • You might feel dizzy or have blurry vision while taking this medicine.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Inhaler
  • Nebulizer solution
  • Inhaler
Price
Lowest price
$18.49
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Reviews
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74 reviews so far
64%
saidit'sworth it
46%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
10possible side effects
  • Bronchitis
    10%
  • COPD attack
    8%
  • Shortness of breath
    8%
  • Headache
    6%
  • Influenza like symptoms
    4%
  • Dry mouth
    4%
  • Nausea
    4%
  • Dizziness
    3%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Urinary tract infection
    2%
See more detailed side effects
36possible side effects
  • Respiratory tract Infection
    41%
  • Dry mouth
    16%
  • Pharyngitis
    13%
  • Sinusitis
    11%
  • Chest pain (non-specific)
    7%
  • Urinary tract Infection
    7%
  • Dyspepsia
    6%
  • Rhinitis
    6%
  • Headache
    6%
  • Edema, Dependent
    5%
  • Abdominal pain
    5%
  • Constipation
    5%
  • Dry Mouth
    5%
  • Vomiting
    4%
  • Myalgia
    4%
  • Infection
    4%
  • Moniliasis
    4%
  • Epistaxis
    4%
  • Rash
    4%
  • Depression
    4%
  • Insomnia
    4%
  • Arthralgia
    4%
  • Allergic reaction
    3%
  • Leg pain
    3%
  • Dysphonia
    3%
  • Parathesia
    3%
  • Gastroinestinal disorder not otherwise specified
    3%
  • Castroesophegeal reflux
    3%
  • Stomatitis
    3%
  • Hypercholesterolemia
    3%
  • Hyperglycemia
    3%
  • Skeletal pain
    3%
  • Angina pectoris
    3%
  • Herpes zoster
    3%
  • Laryngitis
    3%
  • Cataract
    3%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Not a rescue inhaler
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • COPD attack
  • Urination problems
    • Benign prostate hyperplasia
    • Urinary neck obstruction
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Serious allergic reaction
    • History of atropine allergic reaction
  • Sudden onset difficulty breathing (paradoxical bronchospasm)
  • Worsening glaucoma
    • History of narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Difficulty urinating
    • History of urinary bladder blockage (urinary obstruction)
    • History of enlarged prostate
  • Serious allergic reaction
    • Severe milk protein allergy
  • Reduced kidney function
    • History of moderate to severe kidney disease
  • Feeling dizzy
    • Taking with other anticholinergic medications
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Atrovent (ipratropium)
Learn more about Spiriva (Tiotropium)