Why is it prescribed?
Atrovent® HFA contains ipratropium bromide.
Ipratropium is used to treat bronchospasm in pulmonary diseases (e.g. bronchitis, emphysema, asthma) and to relieve runny nose in chronic rhinitis and the common cold.
Side Effects
Atrovent® HFA contains ipratropium bromide.
Along with its needed effects, ipratropium may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Often, ipratropium users who use their medication properly, never experience any unwanted effects. The severity and duration of these effects are dependant on many factors including duration of therapy, dose, route of administration and individual response.
Possible unwanted effects include.
- dry mouth or throat
- bad taste
- tremor
Less common:
- shortness of breath
- burning eyes
- eye pain
- palpitations (awareness of heart beat)
- headache
- difficulty urinating
Rare:
- tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
Many of these unwanted effects, especially the most common ones, may disappear with continued use. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience increased wheezing or tightness in the chest, swelling of the tongue or lips, difficulty in swallowing, fast or irregular heartbeat, blurred vision or pain in the eyes, difficult or painful urination, or skin rash.
Precautions and Warnings for Atrovent® HFA
Atrovent® HFA contains ipratropium bromide
Accidently getting ipratropium mist in your eyes can temporarily blur vision, worsen glaucoma and cause eye pain. If this happens, immediately flush your eyes with cool tap water for several minutes.
. Drug Interactions: Very little ipratropium is absorbed by the body, so it is unlikely that it would interact with any medications taken orally. However, there are always exceptions, so it is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking.
Use is not recommended in the following situations:
- allergy to ipratropium, atropine or any component of the preparation
- allergy to soya, lecithin or related food products including soybeans and peanuts.
Caution recommended in the following situations:
- glaucoma (narrow angle)
- enlarged prostate
- blockage of the urinary bladder (e.g. difficulty in urination)
Use in pregnancy: Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect that you may be pregnant.
Use while breastfeeding: Consult your doctor or pharmacist before you begin breastfeeding.
Patient Information
The Atrovent® inhalation aerosol is meant for inhalation only.
Your doctor or pharmacist should have instructed you on the proper use and care of your Atrovent® MDI. It is advisable to have your technique reassessed by the pharmacist for the first 2 or 3 refills of your prescription.
Having a lot of mucus in the chest can limit how deep the aerosol reaches into the lung so try to cough before using the Atrovent®, to clear it as much as possible.
If you experience dry mouth or bad taste after use, rinsing with water or sucking on a candy may help.
When 2 inhalations are required, wait at least 1 full minute between doses.
Each canister contains 200 doses so it is important to keep a record of approximately when it should be replaced. To avoid problems many people keep two inhalers on hand.
Your inhaler should be stored and used at room temperature. Contents are under pressure. Do not place in hot water or near stoves or other sources of heat. Do not puncture the container.
Devices (e.g. spacers, holding chambers) are available to assist you in using your inhaler.
Although these devices are not necessary, they have been shown to increase effectiveness and help people who are unable to coordinate inhalation with actuation of the inhaler. Holding chambers can decrease the amount of drug deposited in the mouth and throat, therefore minimizing the risk of related unwanted effects (e.g. hoarseness). Your doctor or pharmacist will help you choose the device most suited to your needs.
The inhaler should be cleaned and cared for according to manufacturer's instructions.
Directions for Use
The usual adult dose is 2 puffs up to 3 or 4 times a day.
Do not use more than 12 puffs a day unless your doctor told you to do so.
Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug
- allergic rhinitis
- asthma
- bronchitis
- bronchospasm associated with COPD
- chronic bronchitis (COPD)
- COPD
- emphysema (COPD)
- hay fever
- perennial rhinitis
- rhinitis
- runny nose
- seasonal rhinitis
Need More Information?
For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.
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