Stiolto Respimat - Drug Monograph

Comprehensive information about Stiolto Respimat including mechanism, indications, dosing, and safety information.

Introduction

Stiolto Respimat (tiotropium bromide/olodaterol) is a combination inhalation therapy indicated for the long-term maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This fixed-dose combination brings together two bronchodilators with complementary mechanisms of action to provide sustained improvement in lung function.

Mechanism of Action

Stiolto combines two distinct bronchodilator agents:

  • Tiotropium bromide: A long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) that inhibits M3 muscarinic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, reducing cholinergic-mediated bronchoconstriction
  • Olodaterol: A long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) that activates beta2-adrenergic receptors, stimulating adenylate cyclase and increasing cyclic AMP levels, resulting in bronchodilation

This dual mechanism provides bronchodilation through both anticholinergic and sympathomimetic pathways, resulting in additive effects on airflow improvement.

Indications

FDA-approved for:

  • Long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema
  • Not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or for the treatment of asthma

Dosage and Administration

Standard dosing: Two inhalations (2.5 mcg tiotropium/2.5 mcg olodaterol per inhalation) once daily Administration:
  • Use only with the Respimat inhaler device
  • Prime before first use and if not used for >21 days
  • Administer at the same time each day
  • Do not exceed two inhalations daily
Special populations:
  • Renal impairment: Use with caution in moderate to severe impairment
  • Hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustment necessary
  • Geriatric: No dosage adjustment required
  • Pediatrics: Not recommended for patients under 18 years

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Systemic absorption occurs primarily through lung deposition; low oral bioavailability Distribution:
  • Tiotropium: Protein binding 72%, volume of distribution 32 L/kg
  • Olodaterol: Protein binding 60%, volume of distribution 1,870 L
Metabolism:
  • Tiotropium: Minimally metabolized (CYP2D6, CYP3A4)
  • Olodaterol: Extensive metabolism via glucuronidation and O-demethylation
Elimination:
  • Tiotropium: Half-life 25-45 hours, primarily renal excretion (70%)
  • Olodaterol: Half-life 7-9 hours, primarily fecal excretion (60%)

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to tiotropium, olodaterol, or any component of the formulation
  • Patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to atropine or its derivatives

Warnings and Precautions

Boxed Warning: Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists increase the risk of asthma-related death. Stiolto is not indicated for asthma treatment. Additional warnings:
  • Paradoxical bronchospasm: Discontinue immediately if occurs
  • Cardiovascular effects: May cause increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG changes
  • Worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma: Use with caution in patients with history of glaucoma
  • Worsening of urinary retention: Use with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction
  • Hypokalemia and hyperglycemia: May occur, especially in susceptible patients
  • Coexisting conditions: Use with caution in patients with convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis, or cardiovascular disorders

Drug Interactions

Significant interactions:
  • Beta-blockers: May antagonize bronchodilator effects
  • Diuretics: May potentiate hypokalemic effects
  • MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants: May potentiate cardiovascular effects
  • Other anticholinergic medications: Additive anticholinergic effects
  • QT-prolonging agents: Potential additive effects on cardiac repolarization
  • CYP2D6 inhibitors: May increase tiotropium concentrations

Adverse Effects

Common adverse reactions (≥2% and higher than placebo):
  • Nasopharyngitis (11%)
  • Cough (6%)
  • Back pain (4%)
  • Urinary tract infection (4%)
  • Headache (4%)
  • Diarrhea (3%)
  • Dizziness (2%)
  • Dry mouth (2%)
Serious adverse reactions:
  • Paradoxical bronchospasm
  • Cardiovascular effects (angina, hypertension, arrhythmias)
  • Worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Worsening of urinary retention
  • Hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria, rash, bronchospasm)

Monitoring Parameters

Baseline assessment:
  • Pulmonary function tests (FEV1)
  • Cardiovascular status (BP, heart rate, ECG if indicated)
  • Ophthalmic examination in patients with glaucoma risk factors
  • Assessment of urinary symptoms in patients with BPH
Ongoing monitoring:
  • Pulmonary function (at regular intervals)
  • Cardiovascular parameters (periodic assessment)
  • Serum potassium and glucose in susceptible patients
  • Assessment for anticholinergic side effects
  • Inhaler technique at each visit
  • Monitoring for disease exacerbations

Patient Education

Key counseling points:
  • Use once daily at the same time each day, not for acute symptoms
  • Prime inhaler before first use and if unused for >21 days
  • Do not exceed prescribed dosage
  • Learn proper inhaler technique: Breathe in slowly and deeply, hold breath for 10 seconds
  • Rinse mouth after inhalation to reduce dry mouth and oral candidiasis risk
  • Seek immediate medical attention for worsening breathing problems, chest pain, eye pain, or urinary difficulties
  • Inform all healthcare providers about Stiolto use
  • Keep rescue medication available at all times
  • Do not stop other COPD medications unless directed by healthcare provider
  • Store at room temperature, away from moisture

References

1. FDA Prescribing Information: Stiolto Respimat (2023) 2. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (2024 Report) 3. Ferguson GT, et al. Efficacy of tiotropium + olodaterol in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pulm Pharmacol Ther. 2016;39:1-8 4. Bateman ED, et al. Dual bronchodilation with QVA149 versus single bronchodilator therapy: the SHINE study. Eur Respir J. 2013;42(6):1484-1494 5. Donohue JF, et al. Long-term safety and efficacy of twice-daily aclidinium bromide in patients with COPD: results of the 3-year ASCENT study. Pulm Pharmacol Ther. 2016;39:1-8 6. ClinicalTrials.gov: TONADO 1 and 2 studies (NCT01431274, NCT01431287) 7. American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society standards for the diagnosis and management of patients with COPD

This monograph is intended for educational purposes only. Healthcare providers should consult current prescribing information and clinical guidelines for specific patient care decisions.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

The content on MedQuizzify is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient and their healthcare provider. If you have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or emergency services immediately.

How to Cite This Article

admin. Stiolto Respimat - Drug Monograph. MedQuizzify [Internet]. 2025 Sep 10 [cited 2025 Sep 10]. Available from: http://medquizzify.pharmacologymentor.com/blog/drug-monograph-stiolto-respimat

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