Objective: To review the scientific literature evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of tiotropium bromide, a new bronchodilator indicated for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Data sources: Articles were identified through searches of MEDLINE (1966-January 2005) using the key words tiotropium, BA 679 BR, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and anticholinergic agents. Additional citations were identified from bibliographies of publications cited.
Study selection and data extraction: Experimental and observational studies of tiotropium bromide were selected. Trials of the efficacy of the drug in humans were the focus of the review.
Data synthesis: Tiotropium bromide is an effective bronchodilator for patients with COPD. It produces clinically important improvements in lung function, symptoms of dyspnea, quality of life, and exacerbation rates compared with placebo. In comparative studies, tiotropium does not appear to be more efficacious than salmeterol or ipratropium.
Conclusions: Tiotropium is an effective inhaled anticholinergic agent that is recommended among preferred long-acting bronchodilators for the chronic management of moderate to very severe COPD. Although similar to ipratropium in efficacy and tolerability, it has the advantage of once-daily dosing.