Ipratropium



Atrovent®; Atrovent® HFA







Ipratropium

(i pra TROE pee um)

U.S. Brand Names
Atrovent®; Atrovent® HFA
Canadian Brand Names
Alti-Ipratropium; Apo-Ipravent®; Atrovent®; Gen-Ipratropium; Novo-Ipramide; Nu-Ipratropium; PMS-Ipratropium
Mexican Brand Names
Atrovent®
Pharmacologic Category
Anticholinergic Agent
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 5 years of age.
  • Do not use aerosol spray if allergic to peanuts or soybeans.
  • If you have an allergy to ipratropium or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to open the airways in lung diseases where spasm may cause breathing problems.
  • This medicine is used to treat nasal congestion.
How does it work?
  • Ipratropium relaxes lung muscles.
  • It treats nasal congestion.
How is it best taken?
  • For inhaling (puffing) only by an inhaler or as a liquid (solution) through a special machine (nebulizer) into the lungs.
  • Shake inhaler well before use.
  • A spacer can be used with the inhaler for easier delivery. Children younger than 8 years of age should use a spacer.
  • Check inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Read and follow all instructions provided with inhaler. Using the inhaler the right way is very important.
  • If you are using more than one type of inhaler, ask healthcare provider which inhaler to use first.
  • Spray nasal spray up the nose only. Keep out of eyes.
  • Rinse out mouth after each use.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have an allergy to any type of nuts or seeds, talk with healthcare provider. Some products contain nuts.
  • This medicine is not for the treatment of acute episodes of shortness of breath.
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Cough.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Significant nasal irritation.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: