Why is it prescribed?
Atrovent® inhalation solution 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® inhalation solution 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® inhalation solution
Atrovent® inhalation solution 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
Atrovent® inhalation solution is intended for inhalation via a nebulizer.
Your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider will instruct you on the proper care and use of the nebulizer. If you have been told to dilute the solution, do so immediately before you plan to use it. Be sure to follow the technique outlined by your doctor or pharmacist.
Pre-diluted solutions should be used within 24 hours from time of dilution when stored at room temperature and within 48 hours if refrigerated. Do not mix any other medications in your nebulizer unless you have been instructed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not let any of the nebulized mist get into your eyes. Be sure the mask fits properly or use a nebulizer with a mouthpiece. People who have glaucoma sometimes use swimming goggles to protect their eyes.
The solution should be stored at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees centigrade).
Directions for Use
The average adult single dose is 250 to 500 mcg of ipratropium. The recommended dose in children 5 to 12 years is 125 to 250 mcg of ipratropium. Treatment may be repeated every 4 to 6 hours as necessary.
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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