Ipratropium Bromide: Nasal Solution Uses, Side Effects, Dosage (2024)

Uses
- What is ipratropium bromide inhaler, and what is it used for?
Side Effects
- What are the side effects of ipratropium bromide?
Dosage
- What is the dosage for ipratropium bromide?
Drug Interactions
- Which drugs interact with ipratropium bromide?
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
What Else to Know
- What else should I know about ipratropium bromide?

Generic Name:ipratropium bromide

Brand Names: Atrovent HFA, Atrovent

Drug Class:Anticholinergics, Respiratory

What is ipratropium bromide inhaler, and what is it used for?

Ipratropium bromide is a bronchodilator that dilates (enlarges) airways (bronchi) in the lungs. It is used in treating, symptoms of asthma, colds, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

Ipratropium blocks the effect of acetylcholine on airways (bronchi) and nasal passages. Acetylcholine is a chemical that nerves use to communicate with muscle cells. In asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cholinergic nerves going to the lungs cause the narrowing of the airways by stimulating muscles surrounding the airways to contract.

The "anti-cholinergic" effect of ipratropium blocks the effect of cholinergic nerves, causing the muscles to relax and the airways to dilate. Mucus glands in the nose also are controlled by nerves that use acetylcholine to communicate. By blocking acetylcholine, ipratropium helps relieve symptoms of allergies and the common cold by preventing secretion of mucus by mucus glands in the nose. When inhaled, ipratropium travels directly to the airways, and very little is absorbed into the body.

The FDA approved ipratropium in October 1995.

What are the side effects of ipratropium bromide?

The most common side effects associated with ipratropium are:

dry mouth,
cough,
headache,
nausea,
dizziness, and
difficulty breathing.

Ipratropium can cause bronchospasms that can be life-threatening. It can also cause rash, itching, or serious allergic reactions involving closure of the airways.

What is the dosage for ipratropium bromide?

The recommended dose for allergies is 2 sprays (0.03%) in each nostril 2 or 3 times daily.
The dose for treating symptoms of the common cold is 2 sprays (0.06%) in each nostril 3 to 4 times daily.
The dose for treating asthma is 8 inhalations every 20 minutes as needed for up to 3 hours.
The dose for treating bronchospasms associated with COPD is 2 puffs 4 times daily and additional puffs if needed but not to exceed 12 puffs per day.

Which drugs interact with ipratropium bromide?

Use with other anticholinergic drugs (for example, atropine) may increase the occurrence of side effects.

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Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Studies of ipratropium in animals have not demonstrated negative effects on the fetus. There have been no studies in humans.
It is not known if ipratropium 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.

What else should I know about ipratropium bromide?

What preparations of ipratropium bromide inhaler are available?

Nasal Inhaler: 0.03 or 0.06%. Oral Inhaler (aerosol): 0.021 mg/spray

How should I keep ipratropium bromide inhaler stored?

Ipratropium should be kept at room temperature, 15 C-30 C (59 F-86 F). Excessive humidity should be avoided.

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Summary

Ipratropium bromide inhaler is a medication prescribed for the treatment of allergic or nonallergic rhinitis and rhinitis due to the common cold. Oral ipratropium is prescribed for the treatment of acute asthma flares and bronchospasms that result from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and emphysema. The most common side effects associated with ipratropium are dry mouth, cough, headache, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

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Medications & Supplements

Medications

FDA Drug Labels on RxList.com

Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
Bronchodilators (Drug Class)
Drug Interactions
Anticholinergic and Antispasmodic Drugs
albuterol and ipratropium inhaler (Combivent Respimat)
What Are the Benefits of An Aerosol Treatment?
Nasal Allergy Medications
Side Effects of Atrovent HFA (ipratropium bromide)
Combivent Respimat (albuterol and ipratropium) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
Spiriva
Types of Asthma Medications
How Do You Use Inhalers and Nebulizers?

Prevention & Wellness

Healthy Living

What Are the Best Supplements for COPD?

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.

See more info: ipratropium bromide inhaler on RxList

Medically Reviewed on 2/17/2023

References

Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine

REFERENCE:

FDA Prescribing Information