aclidinium bromide at a glance
Medicine class
Long-acting muscarinic antagonist bronchodilator
Main licensed use
Maintenance symptom relief in adults with COPD
Form
Breath-actuated dry-powder inhaler with a dose indicator and control window
Not a reliever
It should not be used to treat a sudden episode of breathlessness or wheezing
What is aclidinium bromide used for?
Licensed use for the selected product:
Maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve COPD symptoms in adults.
How does aclidinium bromide work?
Aclidinium blocks muscarinic receptors, particularly M3 receptors, on airway smooth muscle. This reduces acetylcholine-driven tightening of the airways, allowing them to widen. It acts mainly in the lungs and is rapidly broken down in plasma.
aclidinium bromide preparations and strengths
Inhaled preparation
Route: Inhaled
Strengths: 322 micrograms
How to take aclidinium bromide
Use the Genuair device exactly as demonstrated by a healthcare professional and follow its leaflet. Food and drink do not affect administration.
Remove the cap and check that the mouthpiece is clear.
Hold the inhaler horizontally, load the medicine and confirm that the control window is green.
Breathe out away from the device, then seal your lips around the mouthpiece and inhale strongly and deeply.
Check that the control window has returned to red. Do not take extra medicine simply because no taste or powder was noticed.
Replace the cap after use. Clean only with a dry tissue; do not use water.
aclidinium bromide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Cold-like inflammation of the nose and throat
- Sinusitis
- Cough
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden chest tightness, wheezing or breathlessness immediately after inhalation
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, faintness or hives
- New inability or marked difficulty passing urine
- New marked palpitations or an abnormal heartbeat
aclidinium bromide in pregnancy
There are no adequate human pregnancy data. Aclidinium should be considered only after a prescriber assesses whether the expected benefit outweighs potential risk; seek advice if pregnant or planning pregnancy.
aclidinium bromide while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether aclidinium or its metabolites enter human milk, and risk to a breastfed infant cannot be excluded. A prescriber should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding and treatment before deciding whether either needs to change.
aclidinium bromide interactions
Clinically important interactions are mainly related to overlapping anticholinergic effects.
Other anticholinergic inhalers, including tiotropium or ipratropium
Concurrent use has not been adequately studied and is not recommended because anticholinergic adverse effects may overlap.
Common questions about aclidinium bromide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is aclidinium bromide a steroid inhaler?
No. It is a long-acting antimuscarinic bronchodilator and does not contain a corticosteroid.
Can aclidinium bromide treat sudden breathlessness?
No. It is maintenance treatment, not a rescue inhaler. Sudden or rapidly worsening breathing difficulty requires the agreed urgent or rescue plan.
How do I know whether I inhaled aclidinium bromide correctly?
The Genuair control window should change from green to red. If it repeatedly remains green, check the technique and contact a healthcare professional.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.