Warnings & Recalls for Ipratropium
For safety, be sure to
tell your doctor about any of the following before using Atrovent:
- any allergies you may have
- any other medicines, supplements, vitamins or herbal products you may be taking, especially atropine, belladonna, clidinium, dicyclomine, glycopyrrolate, hyoscyamine, mepenzolate, methantheline, methscopolamine, propantheline or scopolamine, as these drugs may interfere with ipratropium.
- if you have any serious diseases or illnesses including narrow-angle glaucoma, a prostate disorder or an obstruction of the bladder
- any surgery you have scheduled
Ipratropium and Pregnancy
Ipratropium has been assigned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a
pregnancy Category B medicine. Ipratropium is
not predicted to cause harm to the fetus if taken during pregnancy. However, it is unknown if ipratropium can be transferred through breast-milk or harm a feeding baby.
Before taking ipratropium, tell your doctor if you are
pregnant,
planning to become pregnant or are
breastfeeding.
Ipratropium Treatment and Use
Ipratropium | Atrovent is a generic bronchodilator inhalant used for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and acute asthma. Ipratropium may also be used for treating emphysema. Ipratropium can benefit patients through the following:
- decreasing excessive mucus buildup
- preventing wheezing, coughing or difficulty breathing
- reducing tightness of the chest
Ipratropium does not cure these breathing disorders.
Ipratropium should not be used by patients under the age of 12.
How Does Ipratropium Work?
Ipratropium works by preventing acetylcholine from signaling muscarinic receptors to contract muscles in the airways. By blocking this chemical, muscles relax and widen so more air may be taken in. Use of ipratropium allows patients with COPD and asthma to increase their breathing capabilities.
Ipratropium Dosage Information
Ipratropium comes in the form of an inhalant (liquid solution). Ipratropium may be taken using a nebulizer which creates a mist to be inhaled, or an aerosol to be breathed in by mouth using an inhaler. Carefully read all patient instructions in the Ipratropium package. Take ipratropium only as instructed by your doctor. While taking ipratropium:
- the nebulizer is commonly used every 6 to 8 hours (3 or 4 times daily)
- the aerosol is typically taken 4 time per day
- do not use a different amount than recommended or end treatment without consent from your healthcare provider
- be sure to close your eyes to prevent contact and irritation.
- do not take more than 12 puffs of Ipratopium aerosol solution in 24 hours
- do not use the aerosol inhaler with any other medications besides ipratropium
- be sure to wash your nebulizer or inhaler on a regular basis
- throw inhaler canister away after 200 sprays, even if there is still solution left
Tell your doctor if symptoms of your condition persist or worsen. You should have your lungs examined frequently to determine if treatment with ipratropium is effective.
Keep inhalant solution away from heat. High temperatures may cause canisters to burst open. Do not leave ipratropium in your car.
