USES: 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.In general, use your quick-relief inhaler (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 inhaler, but if so prescribed by your doctor you may use it to relieve an acute attack.OTHER 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.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with this product. Learn how to use this medication properly. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.Shake the canister well before using. If using the ipratropium HFA inhaler, you do not need to shake the canister. It is recommended that you use a spacer device with this medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.You should do some test sprays before using a canister for the first time or if it hasn't been used for more than a day.Inhale this medication by mouth usually 4 times a day, or as directed by your doctor. Close your eyes and place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece to avoid spraying any of this medication into your eyes. This will minimize the risk of temporary blurred vision, other vision changes, and eye irritation.If two inhalations/puffs are prescribed, wait at least one minute between them. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait several minutes between each medication.Rinse your mouth after using this inhaler to prevent dry mouth and throat irritation.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.Keep track of the number of inhalations you use, and throw away the canister after you have used the labeled number of inhalations on the package.Be sure you understand which of your inhalers 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.
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a disorder that persistently obstructs bronchial airflow. COPD mainly involves three related conditions, chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, and emphysema. Symptoms of COPD include chronic cough, shortness of breath, frequent respiratory infections, wheezing, morning headaches, and pulmonary hypertension. Treatment of COPD is focused on the related condition(s).
Emphysema is a progressive disease of the lungs. The primary cause of emphysema is smoking. Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is a rare disorder that has a genetic predisposition to emphysema. Aging, IV drug use, immune deficiencies, and connect tissue illnesses are also risk factors for emphysema. Emphysema is a subtype of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COLD). Symptoms include shortness of breath and wheezing. Management of symptoms may be achieved with medications, quitting smoking, pulmonary rehabilitation, or surgery.
Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the bronchial tubes of the lung become damaged. Inflammation from infection or other causes destroys the smooth muscles of the bronchial tubes. Bronchiectasis is a form of COPD (which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis). There are three primary types of bronchiectasis: 1) cylindrical bronchiectasis; 2) saccular bronchiectasis; and 3) cystic bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis may also be acquired or congenital. The most common symptoms of bronchiectasis are recurrent cough and sputum production. There is no cure for bronchiectasis. Treatment is often geared toward controlling the symptoms of bronchiectasis.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
The lungs are a pair of organs in the chest that are primarily responsible
for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the
blood.
The lung is composed of clusters of small air sacs (alveoli) divided by thin,
elastic walls or membranes. Capillaries, the tiniest of blood vessels, run
within these walls between the alveoli and allow blood and air to come near each other. The distance between the air in the lungs and the blood in the
capillaries is very small, and allows molecules of oxygen and carbon dioxide to
transfer across the membranes.
Air reaches the alveoli via the bronchial tree. The trachea splits into the
right and left mainstem bronchi, which branch further into bronchioles and
finally ends in the alveolar air sacs.
When we breathe in, air enters the lung and the alveoli expand. Oxygen is
transferred onto Read the Emphysema article »
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