Uses
What is inhaled ipratropium used for?
Inhaled ipratropium (Atrovent) is commonly used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Inhaled ipratropium may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Ipratropium is also available for use in the nose. See Ipratropium nasal for more information.
How does inhaled ipratropium work (mechanism of action)?
People with COPD have chronic or ongoing air flow problems in the lungs. Inhaled ipratropium works to relax the muscles around the airways, which may help you breathe easier.
How is inhaled ipratropium supplied (dosage forms)?
Inhaled ipratropium is available as Atrovent HFA and generic inhaled ipratropium in the following dosage forms that are inhaled.
- 17mcg/actuation metered-dose inhaler
- 0.02% nebulizer solution
How should I store inhaled ipratropium?
Inhaled ipratropium vials should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C). The vials should be kept in their foil pouch until use and protected from light.
Inhaled Spray. Ipratropium inhalers (Atrovent HFA) should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting.
Nebulizer Solution. Ipratropium nebulizer solution should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C). Store in the original foil pouch to protect it from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of inhaled ipratropium?
The most common side effects of inhaled ipratropium are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Bronchitis
- Worsening of COPD
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
There may be other side effects of inhaled ipratropium that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of inhaled ipratropium?
While less common, the most serious side effects of inhaled ipratropium are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Inhaled ipratropium can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using inhaled ipratropium and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Breathing Problems. Inhaled ipratropium may cause the muscles around the airways to tighten (bronchospasm) instead of relaxing, which can be serious. Stop using inhaled ipratropium and contact your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble breathing.
Glaucoma. Inhaled ipratropium may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma.
- Loss of vision
- Eye pain or redness
- Severe headache or vomiting
- Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)
Inability to Empty Bladder (Urinary Retention). Inhaled ipratropium may increase the risk of urinary retention. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are unable to empty your bladder.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use inhaled ipratropium?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use inhaled ipratropium.
- Atrovent
- Ipratropium
- Atropine
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ipratropium products they stock.
What should I know about inhaled ipratropium before using it?
Do not use inhaled ipratropium unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share inhaled ipratropium with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep inhaled ipratropium out of the reach of children.
Inhaled ipratropium is a medicine used on a regular basis and is not to be used when a quick response to breathing problems is needed.
Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how inhaled ipratropium affects you.
Avoid getting inhaled ipratropium in your eyes. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get inhaled ipratropium in your eyes and you have eye pain or irritation.
Follow the instructions for use for the inhaled ipratropium spray when using it for the first time or when you haven’t used it in more than 3 days. The medicine needs to be primed, so you get the correct dose.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using inhaled ipratropium?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if inhaled ipratropium is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following before using inhaled ipratropium.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Narrow angle glaucoma
- Enlarged prostate
Other Medicines and Supplements. Inhaled ipratropium may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using inhaled ipratropium, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how inhaled ipratropium could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use ipratropium while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if inhaled ipratropium passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use ipratropium while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does inhaled ipratropium interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between inhaled ipratropium and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect inhaled ipratropium.
Does inhaled ipratropium interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any other anticholinergic medication, which includes antihistamines and certain medicines for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, stomach problems, motion sickness, and others.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much inhaled ipratropium?
If you or someone else has used too much inhaled ipratropium, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of inhaled ipratropium?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Ipratropium inhaled (Atrovent)?
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