Eklira Genuair

Eklira Genuair contains aclidinium bromide, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) inhaler used for maintenance bronchodilator treatment of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in adults. It works by blocking muscarinic M3 receptors in airway smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation and reducing airway resistance.

How Aclidinium Differs from Other LAMAs

Aclidinium is a twice-daily LAMA (unlike tiotropium, which is once daily). It has a kinetically selective binding profile — it dissociates more slowly from M3 receptors than M2 receptors, which may help preserve the bronchoprotective M2-mediated bronchodilation. The Genuair® inhaler is an active dry powder device that provides auditory, tactile, and visual confirmation of a successful dose, which can improve adherence and correct inhaler technique.

Benefits in COPD

Regular treatment with Eklira Genuair improves lung function (FEV1), reduces breathlessness, and decreases the frequency of COPD exacerbations. It improves exercise tolerance and health-related quality of life in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.

How to Use the Eklira Genuair Inhaler

Step 1: Hold the Eklira Genuair inhaler horizontally with the green button facing up. Remove the protective cap by squeezing the side grips and pulling.

Step 2: Press the green button firmly all the way down and release. The control window changes from red to green when a dose is properly loaded.

Step 3: Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler. Place the mouthpiece between your lips and inhale forcefully and deeply through the mouth. A clicking sound confirms the dose is being delivered. Continue inhaling even after the click.

Step 4: Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly. If the window has returned to red, the dose was successfully inhaled.

Once-Daily Use

Eklira (aclidinium bromide) is used twice daily for COPD maintenance. Use it at the same times every day, even when you feel well. It is a long-acting bronchodilator (LAMA) and is not for acute relief — keep a short-acting reliever inhaler available for sudden breathlessness.

Eklira Genuair delivers 322 mcg aclidinium bromide per actuation (equivalent to 375 mcg aclidinium bromide before inhalation). Available as a 60-dose inhaler. The inhaler cannot be refilled; when empty, a new inhaler should be obtained. Store below 25°C. Do not freeze or refrigerate.

Common Side Effects

Eklira is generally well tolerated. The most frequently reported side effects include:

• Headache
• Nasopharyngitis (cold-like symptoms)
• Cough
• Dry mouth (an expected anticholinergic effect)

Anticholinergic Effects

As an antimuscarinic bronchodilator, Eklira can occasionally cause urinary retention, constipation, and blurred vision. Tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, prostate enlargement, or difficulty passing urine before starting Eklira, as these conditions require caution with anticholinergic medicines. If you experience eye pain or blurred vision, seek medical attention promptly.

Eklira Genuair is a maintenance treatment only and must not be used to relieve acute COPD symptoms; a short-acting bronchodilator (reliever) should always be available. Use with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma (avoid contact of inhaled drug with the eyes), prostatic hyperplasia or urinary bladder-neck obstruction (due to anticholinergic effects), and severe renal impairment. Monitor carefully in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias.

Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to aclidinium bromide, atropine or its derivatives, or any excipient. Not indicated for asthma (not licensed) or as a rescue inhaler. Use in children and adolescents has not been established.