Atrovent

Generic name: Ipratropium bromide

What is Atrovent?

Atrovent inhalation aerosol and solution are prescribed for long-term treatment of bronchial spasms (wheezing) associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. When inhaled, Atrovent opens the air passages, allowing more oxygen to reach the lungs.

Atrovent nasal spray relieves runny nose. The 0.03% spray is used for year-round runny nose due to allergies and other causes. The 0.06% spray is prescribed for hay fever and for runny nose due to colds. The spray does not relieve nasal congestion or sneezing.

What is the most important information I should know about Atrovent?

Atrovent inhalation aerosol and solution are not for initial use in acute attacks of bronchial spasm when fast action is needed.

Who should not take Atrovent?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Atrovent or any of its ingredients, or to soybeans, soy lecithin, or peanuts, you should not take this medication.

You should also avoid Atrovent if you are allergic to drugs based on atropine. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Atrovent?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Atrobent. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have narrow-angle glaucoma (high pressure inside the eye), an enlarged prostate, or obstruction in the neck of the bladder.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: (Aerosol or solution) The usual starting dose is 2 inhalations, 4 times per day. Additional inhalations may be taken, but the total should not exceed 12 in 24 hours. Not for use in children under 12. (Nasal spray 0.03%) The usual dose is 2 sprays in each nostril 2 or 3 times a day. Not for use in children under 6.

Runny Nose Due to Colds

(Nasal spray 0.06%) The usual dose is 2 sprays in each nostril 3 or 4 times a day.

Runny Nose Due to Colds

Children Age 5 And Older: (Nasal Spray 0.06%) The recommended dose for children age 5 to 11 is 2 sprays in each nostril 3 times a day. Do not use for more than 4 days and do not give it to children under 5.

Runny Nose due to Hay Fever

The usual dose for adults and children 5 and over is 2 sprays in each nostril 4 times a day. This medication can be used safely for hay fever for up to 3 weeks.

How should I take Atrovent?

Atrovent inhalation aerosol and solution are not intended for occasional use. To get the most benefit from this drug, you must use it consistently throughout your course of treatment, as prescribed by your doctor.

To take the inhalation aerosol, insert the metal canister in the special Atrovent mouthpiece and shake well. Holding the canister upside down, exhale deeply through the mouth, enclose the mouthpiece with your lips, and inhale slowly through the mouth while firmly pressing once on the base of the upended canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds then exhale. Wait 15 seconds and repeat. Test spray the canister 3 times whenever it has not been used for 24 hours.

What should I avoid while taking Atrovent?

Be careful to avoid spraying the medication in you eyes.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Atrovent?

If Atrovent is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Atrovent with the following: atropine sulfate, hyoscyamine sulfate, Phenobarbital, and scopolamine hydrobromide.

What are the possible side effects of Atrovent?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include (Inhalation Aerosol and Solution): blurred vision, breathlessness, bronchitis, cough, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, irritation from aerosol, nausea, nervousness, rash, stomach and intestinal upset, wheezing, worsening of symptoms

Side effects may include (Nasal Spray): blurred vision, change in taste, conjunctivitis ("pinkeye"), cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth/throat, eye irritation, headache, hoarseness, increased runny nose or nasal inflammation, inflamed nasal ulcers, nasal congestion, nasal dryness, nasal irritation/itching/burning, nasal tumors, nausea, nosebleed, pain, posterior nasal drip, pounding heartbeat, ringing in the ears, sinus inflammation, skin rash, sneezing, sore throat, swollen nose, thirst, upper respiratory infection

Can I receive Atrovent if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Atrovent during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Atrovent?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Atrovent?

All forms of Atrovent may be stored at room temperature. Do not freeze.

Keep the inhalation aerosol away from heat and flame; the canister could burst. Discard after 200 sprays. Keep the nasal spray tightly closed.