The goals of COPD management according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guideline are: prevention of disease progression, relief of symptoms, improvement of exercise tolerance and the quality of life, prevention and treatment of exacerbations and complications, and reduction of mortality and adverse effects. These correspond to the goals formulated in the Dutch 'National transmural agreements on COPD'. Bronchodilators play a key role in the pharmacological treatment and with the availability of tiotropium, a long-acting anticholinergic bronchodilator, it has become important to decide at what moment this is indicated in COPD management. In comparative studies, tiotropium was an effective long-acting bronchodilator that had a favourable effect not only on lung function but also on the other parameters indicated in the GOLD guideline. When maintenance treatment with bronchodilators is needed, one should consider a long-acting bronchodilator. In view of the additive positive effects, tiotropium is the bronchodilator of choice. In case of severe symptoms, a combination of tiotropium with a long-acting beta2-sympathicomimetic agent is recommended.