GENERIC NAME: IPRATROPIUM - INHALATION SOLUTION (ip-ruh-TROW-pee-um)
BRAND NAME(S): Atrovent
Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
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. 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 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 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.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Learn about COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) symptoms such as chronic cough, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory infections. Emphysema, smoking, and chronic bronchitis symptoms may be more complicated.
- Emphysema - Learn about emphysema, a progressive lung disease. Emphysema is a symptom of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) with symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing. Manifestations of COPD include chronic bronchitis, asthma, bronchiectasis, and emphysema.
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