MedlinePlus Drug Information: Ipratropium Bromide Oral Inhalation

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Ipratropium Bromide Oral Inhalation

(i pra troe' pee um)

Brand name(s): Atrovent

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Ipratropium, a bronchodilator, is used to prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. It relaxes and opens the air passages to the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Ipratropium comes as a solution and an aerosol to inhale by mouth. It usually is inhaled three or four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use ipratropium exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may instruct you to take additional puffs if needed. However, do not use more than 12 puffs in 24 hours.

Before you use ipratropium by inhalation the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to demonstrate the proper technique. Practice using the inhalation device while in his or her presence.

To use the inhaler, follow these steps:

Shake the inhaler well.
Remove the protective cap.
Exhale (breathe out) as completely as possible through your nose while keeping your mouth shut.
Open Mouth Technique: Open your mouth wide, and place the end of the mouthpiece about 1-2 inches from your mouth.Closed Mouth Technique: Place the open end of the mouthpiece well into your mouth, past your front teeth. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
Take a slow, deep breath through the mouthpiece and, at the same time, press down on the container to spray the medication into your mouth. Be sure that the mist goes into your throat and is not blocked by your teeth or tongue. Adults giving the treatment to young children may hold the child's nose closed to be sure that the medication goes into the child's throat.
Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds, remove the inhaler, and exhale slowly through your nose or mouth. If you take 2 puffs, wait 2 minutes and shake the inhaler well before taking the second puff.
Replace the protective cap on the inhaler.

If you have difficulty getting the medication into your lungs, a spacer (a special device that attaches to the inhaler) may help; ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using ipratropium,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ipratropium, atropine, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
do not use other inhaled medications while taking ipratropium unless your doctor tells you to.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma, prostate problems, or difficulty urinating.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using ipratropium, call your doctor.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from ipratropium are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

nervousness
dizziness
drowsiness
headache
upset stomach
constipation
cough
dry mouth or throat irritation
skin rash
blurred vision

If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

increased difficulty breathing
heart palpitations

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store unused vials of the solution in the foil pack they came in. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Avoid puncturing the aerosol container, and do not discard it in an incinerator or fire.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to ipratropium.

Do not use ipratropium to relieve an asthma attack that has already started; continue to use the medication prescribed for your acute attacks.

Inhalation devices require regular cleaning. Follow the written directions for care and cleaning included with the inhalation device. Once a week, remove the aerosol container from the mouthpiece, wash the mouthpiece with warm tap water, and dry it thoroughly.

Avoid getting the spray in your eyes. Blurring of vision, worsening of glaucoma, or eye pain can occur.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer