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Aclidinium

Antimuscarinic · Airways disease, obstructive

Also known as Aclidinium bromide

AntimuscarinicAirways disease, obstructive
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
Manufacturer advises use only if potential benefit outweighs risk.
FDA category + note

Mechanism

Aclidinium is an antimuscarinic agent, functioning as a synthetic analog of atropine. It acts by antagonizing muscarinic receptors, particularly M3 receptors in the airways, to inhibit the vagally-mediated bronchoconstrictor reflex. This blockade leads to bronchodilation, which is beneficial in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Indications

Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Dosing

Adult
375 micrograms twice daily by inhalation of powder
Geriatric
Prescription potentially inappropriate (STOPP criteria) with a history of narrow-angle glaucoma (may exacerbate glaucoma) or bladder outflow obstruction (may cause urinary retention).

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism
Rapid hydrolysis in plasma to inactive metabolites

Contraindications

  • Arrhythmia (when newly diagnosed within last 3 months)
  • Heart failure (hospitalisation with moderate or severe heart failure within last 12 months)
  • Myocardial infarction within last 6 months
  • Unstable angina
  • Bladder outflow obstruction
  • Paradoxical bronchospasm
  • Prostatic hyperplasia
  • Susceptibility to angle-closure glaucoma
  • History of narrow-angle glaucoma

Side effects

Common
DiarrhoeaNasopharyngitisDry mouth
Serious
  • Angioedema
  • Hypersensitivity

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Manufacturer advises use only if potential benefit outweighs risk.

Lactation

Manufacturer advises only use if potential benefits outweigh risks.

Related guidelines

Other Antimuscarinic drugs

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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e, Katzung, BNF·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team