Tudorza pressair approved for COPD

(HealthDay) -- The Tudorza Pressair (aclidinium bromide) inhaler has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat narrowing of the lung airways associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in people 18 and older.

COPD, most often caused by smoking, encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Symptoms usually include chronic cough, excessive phlegm and chest tightness, the FDA said in a news release.

The Tudorza Pressair inhaler, to be used twice daily, relaxes muscles around the lung's large airways, improving breathing. It is not meant to be used as a rescue inhaler during sudden asthma attacks, the agency said.

Common side effects observed during clinical testing included headache, nasal inflammation and cough.

The inhaler is distributed by St. Louis-based Forest Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Forest Laboratories.