Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Ipratropium oral inhalation is prescribed to prevent symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness in individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ipratropium belongs to a class of medications known as bronchodilators. Its mechanism of action involves relaxing and opening the air passages to the lungs, facilitating easier breathing for individuals with COPD.
Uses and Dosage
Ipratropium is available as a solution for inhalation through a nebulizer, a machine that transforms medication into a mist for inhalation, and as an aerosol for use with an inhaler. The nebulizer solution is typically used three or four times a day, every 6 to 8 hours, while the aerosol is generally used four times a day.
Adhere to the prescribed usage of ipratropium without exceeding or reducing the dosage, and avoid using it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Discuss with your doctor the appropriate actions to take if you experience symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. In such cases, your doctor may provide an alternative inhaler for rapid relief or advise additional puffs of ipratropium alongside other medications. Follow these instructions diligently and ensure you understand when to use each inhaler. Only use extra puffs of ipratropium if explicitly instructed by your doctor, and never exceed 12 puffs within a 24-hour period.
Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or if you feel that ipratropium no longer effectively controls your symptoms. Additionally, inform your doctor if you were instructed to use extra doses and find yourself needing more than usual.
For users of the inhaler, each canister of ipratropium aerosol is designed for 200 inhalations. Keep track of the number of inhalations used, and dispose of the canister after reaching the labeled number of inhalations, even if some liquid remains. Do not float the canister in water to check for remaining medication.
Avoid getting ipratropium into your eyes. If using the inhaler, keep your eyes closed during administration. If employing the nebulizer solution with a face mask, consult your doctor on preventing medication leakage. Eye exposure to ipratropium can lead to serious conditions such as narrow-angle glaucoma. If you experience eye symptoms or accidental eye exposure, contact your doctor.
The inhaler provided with ipratropium aerosol is specifically for use with ipratropium. Never use it for inhaling other medications, and do not substitute it with another inhaler for ipratropium.
Do not use the ipratropium inhaler near an open flame or heat source, as exposure to high temperatures may lead to the inhaler exploding.
Before the first use of ipratropium inhalation, read the provided instructions. Seek guidance from your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to demonstrate proper inhaler or nebulizer use, and practice under their supervision.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- dizziness
- nausea
- heartburn
- constipation
- dry mouth
- difficulty urinating
- pain when urinating
- frequent need to urinate
- back pain
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- rash
- hives
- itching
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- fast or pounding heartbeat
- chest pain
Caution
- Before starting the use of ipratropium, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, including allergies to tiotropium, atropine, or other belladonna-type drugs. Inactive ingredients in the product may also cause allergic reactions or other issues.
- Provide your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have a personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type) or difficulty urinating, such as that caused by an enlarged prostate.
- This medication may induce dizziness, blurred vision, or vision changes. The combination of alcohol or marijuana with this drug may increase dizziness. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness or clear vision until you can do so safely.
- Older adults may be more susceptible to the side effects of this drug, particularly issues related to urination or constipation.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when absolutely necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is unclear whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Atrovent Nebules is available in the following forms and strengths:
- ipratropium nebule:
- 500 mcg
FAQ
How many times a day can Atrovent be used?
The usual starting dose for COPD is two puffs of Atrovent HFA taken four times a day. If you still have trouble breathing with this dosage, your doctor may have you take two puffs up to six times a day. Do not take more than 12 puffs in 24 hours.
How long does it take for Atrovent to start working?
Atrovent begins to act quickly after use but may take up to 2 hours to give maximum benefit.
Resources
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/atrovent-hfa#dosage
- https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/a/AtroventInhaler.pdf
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ipratropium-inhalation-route/proper-use/drg-20067557?
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3702/atrovent-inhalation/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695021.html
- https://www.drugs.com/atrovent.html
