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ipratropium bromide inhaler, Atrovent

GENERIC NAME: ipratropium bromide inhaler

BRAND NAME: Atrovent

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Ipratropium bromide is a bronchodilator that dilates the bronchi in the lungs. It is used in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cholinergic nerves going to the lungs cause narrowing of the bronchi by stimulating the muscles surrounding the bronchi to contract. An "anti-cholinergic" effect of ipratropium bromide blocks the effect of the cholinergic nerves, causing the muscles to relax and the bronchi to dilate. When inhaled, ipratropium bromide goes directly to the airways, and very little is absorbed into the body.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: no

PREPARATIONS: Inhaler 18 mcg/actuation. The inhaler unit supplies 200 inhalations.

STORAGE: ipratropium bromide should be kept at room temperature, 15-30°C
(59-86°F). Excessive humidity should be avoided.

PRESCRIBED FOR: ipratropium bromide is used for controlling the symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Emphysema is a condition in which there is over-inflation of the lungs and breakdown of the walls of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs (alveoli) at the ends of the airways. The over-inflation and breakdown of alveoli causes a decrease in respiratory function and often breathlessness. Bronchitis is a condition in which there is swelling (inflammation) of the walls of the airways. In addition, too much mucus is produced in the lungs.

DOSING: ipratropium bromide is used for preventative therapy. Doses vary widely. Two to six inhalations or more may be prescribed two to four times daily. The medication requires continuous use to be effective.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: No drug interactions have been described with inhaled ipratropium bromide

PREGNANCY: Studies of ipratropium bromide in animals have not demonstrated negative effects on the fetus. There have been no studies in humans.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if ipratropium bromide is secreted in breast milk. Other medications in the same class of drugs are secreted into breast milk. It is not known whether the small amounts that may appear in the milk are of any consequence to the infant.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly noted side effects associated with inhaled ipratropium bromide are flu-like symptoms, tremor, sleeplessness, nervousness, constipation, sore throat, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing. These side effects occur in one of every 10 to 20 persons who takes ipratropium bromide.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

Last Editorial Review: 4/14/1999

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