They are NOT equivalent, but as you noted similar same active ingredient, but different dosing (amount per serving) and delivery. In general, in most trials, liquid is better distributed than powder for those with decreasing ability to inhale; however, in all these trials some still do better with powder. You cannot know if there will be an improvement, no change, or decreased effectiveness until YOU try it.

Like all drugs and supplements changing over to this drug should be discussed with your pulmonologist.

I have been using the ADC inhaler version of Spivria for some time now. I like it better than the powder capsule version. I take two puffs once a day.

I'm sorry. I just realized that I didn't attach link to product at ADC. Here it is:

http://www.alldaychemist.com/tiova-inhaler.html#product_tabs_additional_tabbed

But guess Gnott and Zelli didn't need link! I did notice the different dosing, Gnott, but appreciate your pointing that out. I will talk to my doc that I am scheduled to see in Sept. Thank you Zelli, think I'll check it out. I've seen the spray for a while on ADC, but never really considered it until Spiriva put out their own spray version and read the conversations on here.

I am using the brand name "Spiriva Respimat" because I get from company.

Interestingly; the regular old "spiriva" was 18mcg of tiotrpium bromide.
Spiriva Respimat is 2.5 mg tiotropium bromide each puff. (instructions do 2 puff a day)

it says on box; "each actuation delivers 2.5mcg of tiotropium, equivalant to 3.124mcg of tiotropium bromide monohydrate from the mouthpeice.

okay= that doesn't equal the 18mcg of regular spiriva any way I can add it.

I do like the respimat delivery just curious though if the ADC inhaler is equivalent to regular spiriva....does something change when it's in an inhaler instead of the old pill inhaler form?
if so, I would want to make sure the tiova is equal in inhaler & regular form.
just thought i would throw the weird mcg difference in there as it has me curious how 2.5 (5)mcg works as well as the old 18mcg.

Very interesting! I saw something about that today, jarca, during my search. I'm on my phone & can't type good or fast. Will try to find what that was about before I turn off my computer and post it.

jarca, here's two things. I think the lower dosage is because the delivery into the lungs is better with the soft mist respimat:

http://www.respimat.com/benefits/benefit.html

Sounds like the spray at ADC, like the powder, doesn't penetrate as well so it is a higher dosage. What do you think? After seeing the diagram showing how much of each delivery system we are actually getting down into our lungs, it makes me want to use the respimat. I always feel with the powders and the sprays that most of it lands at the back of my throat.

I also found this:

http://www.respimat.com/benefits/benefit.html

Thanks for addressing this.

I have been taking respimat for 4 days now.Dr. gave me samples to try it......it is to soon to know if it will be any different than the powder.....just looking at the gadget that sprays the mist ,this medicine is going to be very very costly....so I will be staying on the powder..if not the old donut hole will be lookin for me ...I have enough respimat for a month,so I will continue to take it ....

The Tiova inhaler spray is the same dose as the Spirvia powder 18mcg taken in two puffs of 9.

I really like the respimat. I seem to feel it deeper in my lungs.
it took some getting used to; as i make sure i blow out all the air i can while i turn the bottle.
then i start inhaling slowly just a tad before i click the button to release the mist.
then i inhale slowly for as long as i can to get it down deep.
hold for 10 seconds (or as long as i can) then i try to exhale slowly.

with regular spiriva i only did it every other day because it dried me out too much.
with the respimat i only do 1 puff instead of 2 for the same reason, but i like that i can do it daily now.

my experience of course only, but I am really happy with it.

side note;
I get my spiriva from the company for free with their financial help program; I still had 3 more 90 days refills left this year when i wanted to change.
i called my dr, he sent spiriva a new prescription that i could use the respimat & they switched me to it without any other paperwork having to be done so i now get 3 month of respimat every 90 days instead of the pills.
spiriva said I could switch back if i didn't like respimat, but i like it.