Ipratropium Bromide

Brand Name:Apo-Ipravent, Atrovent HFA Inhalation Aerosol, Atrovent Inhalation Aerosol, Atrovent Inhalation Solution, Atrovent Nasal Spray, Gen-Ipratropium, Novo-Ipramide, Nu-Ipratropium, ratio-Ipratropium, Duovent UDV(in combination with Fenoterol), Combivent (in combination with Salbutamol)

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

This medication comes in different forms:

  • Aerosol inhaler and nebulizer inhalation solution dosage form - used to treat longer term symptoms of chronic bronchitis or asthma. However, it is not effective for quick relief of asthma attacks.
  • Nasal spray - used for a runny nose (e.g. arising from allergies).

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to ipratropium bromide or atropine. This drug is not effective for quick relief of asthma attacks as it works slower than bronchodilators such as salbutamol. If you are allergic to soy beans, soy lecithin or peanuts you should also check with your pharmacist since some brands of ipratropium aerosol inhaler contain soya lecithin.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • glaucoma
  • kidney, heart or prostate problems
  • difficulty urinating

What about possible side effects?

This medication is usually well tolerated.

The most common side effects are:

  • dry mouth and throat
  • headache
  • dry nose (for nasal spray)

Other uncommon side effects include:

  • constipation
  • reduction in strength and flow of urine (rare, reversible)
  • tremor, shakiness
  • dizziness
  • nausea, upset stomach

Since the dosage forms act mostly in the lungs (inhaler or inhalation solution) or nasal passage (nasal spray), these side effects are usually uncommon and reversible. If these side effects continue or become bothersome, talk to your doctor.

Other rare and possibly severe side effects include:

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

  • fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat
  • blurred vision or pain in the eyes
  • increased difficulty breathing

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • Drugs with anticholinergic side effects
  • Amantadine, amitriptyline and other similar antidepressants, MAO-I inhibitors, amoxapine, diphenydramine, chlorpheniramine, thioridizine, hyoscine, scopolamine, oxybutynin and other anti-cholinergic drugs - may increase your chances of side effects with urinating, constipation or dry mouth

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

How to use: If you are using your inhaler, inhalation solution or nasal spray for the first time, be sure to receive instructions from your doctor or pharmacist. You should also check with your doctor from time to time to ensure you are continuing to use it correctly.

Managing side effects: If you experience a dry mouth or bad taste in your mouth, sucking on sugarless candy or rinsing your mouth may help.

Children: Lower dose may be necessary. Talk to your doctor.

Seniors: May be more sensitive to side effects.

Pregnant women: Can generally be used although the risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: May have a small amount passed into breast milk. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know the impact this medication has on them personally.

Alcohol: If you drink, always drink in moderation.

Overdose: If you experience any unusual reactions, or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call 911.

Stopping the drug. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. Stopping abruptly may cause your symptoms of wheeziness or shortness of breath to return.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. However, if your next dose is almost due, do not take the missed dose. Instead, wait and take the next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

For inhalation solutions, please check with your pharmacist if they are single use or multiple dose vials and their expiry instructions.

For inhalation aerosol and nasal sprays, please check with your pharmacist for cleaning instructions.

Dietary precautions: None unless prescribed by your doctor