Aclidinium bromide (brand name Tudorza) is a bronchodilator used as a long-term treatment in people with COPD. It works by relaxing and opening the airways to the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is an AstraZeneca product.
How does aclidinium for COPD work?
Aclidinium inhibits specific receptors called the muscarinic receptors. The M3 receptors are located in the muscle of the bronchi, in the blood vessels of the lung, and in the mucus glands. Each location has a different action: The receptors in the muscle of the bronchi mediate bronchoconstriction, the receptors in the blood vessels of the lung mediates vasodilation, and receptors in the mucus glands mediate mucus secretion.
Because aclidinium has an affinity to the M3 receptors, it works by inhibiting them on the muscle of the bronchi, leading to bronchodilation.
Studies of aclidinium
The effectiveness and safety of aclidinium in people with COPD assessed in the ATTAIN (NCT01001494) clinical trial. At the end of the 24 weeks, significant improvements were observed with aclidinium in bronchodilation, measured by FEV1 (forced expiratory volumne in one second, a measure of lung function), the SGRQ (St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire) score, and in dyspnea. The treatment was well tolerated in all participants.
Another Phase 3 study, the ACCORD I (NCT00891462) clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness and safety of aclidinium twice daily in the treatment of moderate to severe COPD. It demonstrated significant improvements in bronchodilation, health status and COPD.
An ongoing Phase 4 trial (NCT01966107) aims to evaluate the effect of aclidinium on long-term cardiovascular safety and assess whether it reduces moderate or severe COPD exacerbations. Its estimated end date is December 2017.
Indications and side effects
Aclidinium is a prescription medicine for long-term use, not for sudden breath problems. It’s usually inhaled twice daily, every 12 hours. The most common side effects include headache, common cold symptoms and cough. Medical help should be sought if symptoms such as shortness of breath, sight disorders, nausea or vomiting, new or worsened urinary retention and allergic reactions appear.
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