Medications and Drugs
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
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.
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