What is Eklira Genuair?
Eklira Genuair is a long-acting anticholinergic (LAMA) containing the active ingredient aclidinium bromide. It is used as long-term bronchodilator therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Unlike Spiriva (tiotropium), Eklira is inhaled 2x daily. The Genuair inhaler has a color-change control system that shows whether the inhalation was performed correctly.
Eklira is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Aclidiniumbromid
Aclidinium blocks muscarinic receptors:
Mechanism of action:
- Inhibits M3 muscarinic receptors in the bronchial muscles
- Blocks the action of acetylcholine
- The bronchial muscles relax
- The airways stay open
Special features:
- Rapid hydrolysis in plasma (low systemic effect)
- As a result, a low rate of systemic anticholinergic side effects
- Duration of action approx. 12 hours (2x-daily dosing)
Time course:
- Onset of action: 15-30 minutes
- Duration of action: 12 hours
Who is it suitable for?
Eklira Genuair is suitable for:
- Long-term COPD therapy in adults
- As monotherapy or in combination with other bronchodilators
Advantages:
- Rapid hydrolysis = low rate of systemic anticholinergic side effects
- Genuair with feedback system
- 2x-daily dosing for even 24-hour protection
Not suitable:
- For asthma (not approved)
- As an emergency medication
- For children and adolescents
Available Dosages
Eklira Genuair:
- 322 µg aclidinium per single dose
- 1 inhalation 2x daily (morning and evening)
Note: Always inhale at the same time of day.
Dosage form and pack sizes
The medicines catalogue lists one pack variant: one strength in one pack size.
- Dosage form
- Pulver zur Inhalation
- Strengths
- 322 µg
- Pack sizes
- 60 Dosen
| Strength | Pack | PZN | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 322 µg | 60 Dosen | 02260389 | 30 days |
Packs listed in the German medicines catalogue. Which of them are currently available and what they cost is shown in the price overview.
The Pharmazentralnummer (PZN) is the nationwide unique identifier of a pack in Germany.
Duration is the catalogue value for the usual dosage. How long a pack actually lasts depends on the dose your doctor prescribes.
How to Take
Genuair inhaler: 1. Remove the protective cap 2. Hold the device horizontally 3. Press and release the green button (control window turns green) 4. Breathe out deeply (not into the inhaler) 5. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece 6. Breathe in strongly and deeply 7. Hold your breath 8. Control window changes to red = correct inhalation 9. Close the cap
Color check:
- Green = ready to inhale
- Red = inhalation successful
Contraindications
Do not use in case of:
- Hypersensitivity to aclidinium
- Rare hereditary galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption (Eklira contains lactose)
Use with caution in:
- Known cardiac arrhythmias or risk factors for them
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Prostatic hyperplasia with urinary retention
Pregnancy: Limited data. Only if clearly indicated.
Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
Possible Side Effects
Common (1-10%):
- Headache
- Nasopharyngitis
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Sinusitis
Uncommon:
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Tachycardia
- Urinary retention
Rare:
- Paradoxical bronchospasm
Note: Due to the rapid hydrolysis in the blood, the rate of systemic anticholinergic side effects is low.
Interactions
Caution with:
- Other anticholinergics (additive effect)
- Medications with anticholinergic properties
No relevant interaction with:
- Beta-2 agonists (useful combination)
- Inhaled corticosteroids
Frequently Asked Questions
Eklira contains aclidinium and is inhaled 2x daily; Spiriva contains tiotropium and is inhaled 1x daily. Aclidinium is broken down rapidly in plasma, so the rate of systemic anticholinergic side effects is low.
The Genuair uses a color change (green→red) to show whether you have inhaled correctly. If the window stays green, the dose was not inhaled properly.
Similar Medications
Is Eklira Genuair right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.