Ipratropium is used to treat lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It relaxes the muscles around your airways so that they open up and you breathe more easily. This medication is a type of bronchodilator.

Use your quick-relief inhaler or nebulized solution (e.g., albuterol) for acute attacks of shortness of breath unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Ipratropium does not work as fast as your quick-relief treatment and in general is not used alone to relieve an acute attack, but if so prescribed by your doctor you may use it together with albuterol.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used in combination with other drugs to treat asthma in select patients.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with this medication and the instructions for how to use the nebulization equipment. A healthcare professional will teach you the proper way to measure out the medication and use the machine. Consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions.

Inhale this medication into your lungs using the nebulizer, usually 3 or 4 times a day (6 or 8 hours apart), or as directed by your doctor. It is recommended that you use a mouthpiece rather than a face mask with the nebulizer or that you close your eyes during use to avoid getting any medication into your eyes. This will minimize the risk of temporary blurred vision, other vision changes, and eye irritation.

Ipratropium may be mixed with other prescribed medications such as albuterol or metaproterenol in the nebulizer and used within 1 hour of mixing. If this medication is mixed with saline, use immediately. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing any other medications. Once a vial is opened, throw away any remaining unused solution.

Each treatment should last about 5-15 minutes. Rinse your mouth after treatment to prevent dry mouth and throat irritation. Clean the nebulizer according to the manufacturer's directions.

If you are directed to take this medication regularly, it works best if used consistently at evenly spaced intervals. Remember to use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently, or stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Be sure you understand which of your inhalers and nebulized solutions you should use on a regular daily basis and which you should use for acute attacks. Consult your doctor about what you should do in case of worsening shortness of breath or cough, increased sputum, or worsening peak flow meter readings (whether you can self-medicate and when you must seek immediate medical attention).

Inform your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen.

See also How to Use.

Dry mouth, dry throat, or cough may occur as your body adjusts to this drug. Dizziness, headache, nausea, or constipation may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, fast/pounding heartbeat, vision changes, eye pain, increased wheezing/trouble breathing, trouble urinating.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using ipratropium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to atropine or other belladonna-type drugs; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: narrow angle glaucoma, trouble urinating, enlarged prostate.

Although unlikely, this medication may cause dizziness. It may also cause temporary blurred vision or other vision changes if it accidentally gets into your eyes. If these effects occur, do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, meclizine), anti-spasmodic drugs (e.g., dicyclomine, hyoscyamine), drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease (e.g., benztropine, trihexyphenidyl), muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine), pramlintide, certain psychiatric medicines (phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine).

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Do not share this medication with others.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Use the remaining doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised April 2009 Copyright(c) 2009 First DataBank, Inc.