Ipratropium Bromide

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

 

Popular brand names:

Atrovent, Ipvent

Popular combinations:

Atrovent Beta, Combivent, Duolin, Duovent, Sabax Combineb

Drug group:

Bronchodilator

Prescription needed?

Yes

 

What does it do?

Ipratropium bromide is used to treat:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – daily use of inhaler as maintenance therapy
• Severe acute asthma attacks – used in hospital, mainly in nebulised form, usually with other bronchodilators such as salbutamol
• Allergic rhinitis – available as a nasal spray

 

How does it work?

• Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic bronchodilator
• It relaxes the smooth muscle of the airways by reducing bronchoconstriction caused by histamine release in response to irritants

 

How should it be used?

Ensure that you are using your inhaler or nebuliser correctly, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

 

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Inhaler: total 80–320mcg daily, used 3–4 x daily
• Nasal spray: 1-2 sprays into each nostril 2–3 x daily
• Nebulizer: 400–2,000mcg daily

 

How quickly will it start to work?

3–30 minutes            
       

How long will the effects last?

Up to 8 hours                
          

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor       
                             

Is it safe for prolonged use?

No special problems                                                                        

 

What are the possible side effects?

Side effects are rare, but the following have been reported:

• Less common: dry mouth/throat, nausea, headache, constipation, difficulty in passing urine, cough, palpitations
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash, facial swelling, eye pain or altered vision, paradoxical bronchospasm (worsening wheezing or breathlessness immediately after inhaler use)

 

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: glaucoma, prostate problems, difficulty in passing urine, cystic fibrosis
• Other medicines: Pasireotide
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: No evidence of risk, but discuss with your doctor
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: No special problems
• Alcohol: No known problems