Homechevron_rightDrugschevron_rightIpratropium bromide Prices
Generic Atrovent
Used for Allergic Rhinitis, COPD
Used for Allergic Rhinitis, COPD
Ipratropium bromide is an inhaled medication used to help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It's an inhaled anticholinergic that works by opening up your airways so you can breathe easier. The medication is administered through a nebulizer machine and inhaled through the mouth 3 to 4 times a day. Common side effects include headache and cough.
Reviewed by:
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 12, 2023
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What is Ipratropium bromide?
What is Ipratropium bromide used for?
Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
How Ipratropium bromide works
Ipratropium bromide is a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA), a type of anticholinergic medication. It works by blocking a chemical called acetylcholine from causing your airways to contract. By blocking acetylcholine, ipratropium bromide relaxes the muscles in your airways to make it easier to breathe.
info
Are you looking for information on Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) inhaler, ipratropium nasal spray, or Duoneb (ipratropium / albuterol) inhalation solution instead?
Drug Facts
Common BrandsAtrovent (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassSAMA
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$29.53
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What are the side effects of Ipratropium bromide?
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Other Side Effects
Serious Side Effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Source:DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
For the 0.03% nasal spray
More common
Body aches or pain
chills
cough
difficulty with breathing
ear congestion
fever
headache
loss of voice
nasal congestion
runny nose
sneezing
sore throat
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
Blurred vision
burning, dry, or itching eyes
discharge or excessive tearing
itching, redness, tearing, or other sign of eye irritation not present before use of this medicine or becoming worse during use
nasal dryness
nosebleeds
redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
Rare
Pain or cramping in the abdomen or stomach
painful or difficult urination
Incidence not known
Difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
hives or welts
itching
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
redness of the skin
skin rash
tightness in the chest
For the 0.06% nasal spray used for 4 days
Less common
Nasal dryness
nosebleeds
Rare
Blurred vision
dizziness
eye redness or pain
fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
pain or cramping in the abdomen or stomach
painful or difficult urination
ringing or buzzing in the ears
sore throat
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
For the 0.03% nasal spray
Less common or rare
Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
change in taste
dry mouth or throat
increased nasal congestion or runny nose
nasal itching, burning, or irritation
nausea
For the 0.06% nasal spray
Less common or rare
Dry mouth or throat
increased nasal congestion
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Ipratropium bromide
Pros
Works well as a maintenance treatment for COPD
Doesn't really affect your heart rate
Can mix with albuterol if ipratropium bromide doesn't fully control your symptoms
Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
Takes about 5 to 15 minutes to receive the whole dose
Need to use with a nebulizer machine, which isn't ideal for someone who's on the go
Might need to be used multiple times per day because effects don't last long
Not a rescue medication
Pharmacist tips for Ipratropium bromide
Ipratropium bromide isn't meant to be used as a rescue medication for treating sudden difficulty breathing. Always have your rescue medication, like albuterol (Ventolin) or levalbuterol (Xopenex), with you just in case you have sudden trouble breathing.
Understand how to use ipratropium bromide with a nebulizer machine. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about using the medication.
You don't need to shake the ipratropium bromide vial before using it. You also don't need to rinse your mouth or spit after using ipratropium bromide.
Sit in a comfortable, upright position during your ipratropium bromide breathing treatment. Using the mouthpiece or face mask, breathe as calmly, deeply, and evenly as possible until there's no more mist in the nebulizer.
Clean your nebulizer after each time you use it. This helps prevent infections that can happen if you use a nebulizer machine that isn't cleaned well.
Call your provider if your breathing worsens or you find yourself using your rescue inhaler more while using ipratropium bromide. These could be signs you need a change in your COPD medications.
Keep the vials of ipratropium bromide in the original foil pouch and store at room temperature. After opening the pouch, keep any unused vials in the foil pouch to protect them from light.
Frequently asked questions about Ipratropium bromide
Is ipratropium bromide a steroid?
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No, ipratropium bromide isn't a steroid. It's a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA), also known as an anticholinergic medication. It works by helping relax your airway muscles to help you breathe. It works differently from steroids, which help to lower inflammation (swelling) in the body. Your provider might prescribe an inhaled steroid for you to use in addition to ipratropium bromide if you're still having breathing problems while using this medication.
Why are albuterol and ipratropium bromide given together?
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Sometimes, both albuterol and ipratropium bromide are prescribed together when one of them isn't working well enough to relieve symptoms. They work differently to open up your airways and improve your breathing. Talk to your provider if you have questions about using both of these medications together.
Can you mix albuterol and ipratropium bromide in a nebulizer?
expand_more
Yes, you can mix ipratropium bromide with the solution form of albuterol in the nebulizer machine. Make sure to use this combination within 1 hour after mixing for best effect. If you find that you're mixing the two medications together often, ask your provider about whether a combination medication like Duoneb (ipratropium / albuterol) is right for you.
How do you use ipratropium bromide?
expand_more
Twist open the ipratropium bromide vial and squeeze the liquid into the nebulizer reservoir. Make sure to sit in a comfortable, upright position. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth (or face mask over your face) and turn on the compressor. Breathe in calmly, deeply, and evenly as much as possible until there's no more mist forming in the nebulizer chamber (about 5 to 15 minutes).
Is ipratropium bromide safe for infants?
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It's not known. A large study showed that there isn't enough evidence to support using ipratropium bromide with albuterol to treat wheezing in children under 2 years old. But the same study mentioned that parents saw benefits when they administered ipratropium bromide to their children at home. Talk to your provider if you have questions about using this medication in young children.
Does ipratropium bromide increase heart rate?
expand_more
It's rare. In clinical studies, less than 3% of people who used ipratropium bromide reported a high heart rate. In fact, another study ipratropium bromide doesn't significantly increase heart rate or heart rhythms in people who were critically hospitalized.
Is ipratropium bromide a rescue medication?
expand_more
No, ipratropium bromide isn't a rescue medication. It takes about 15 minutes for ipratropium bromide to start working, which isn't ideal for someone who needs help breathing right away. Quick-acting inhalers, such as albuterol (Ventolin) or levalbuterol (Xopenex), are approved as rescue medications. If you've been using ipratropium bromide as directed by your provider and are still experiencing breathing problems, let your provider know. They can check your technique to see if you're using ipratropium bromide correctly. They can also see if they need to make changes to your COPD medications.
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What are the risks and warnings for Ipratropium bromide?
Ipratropium bromide can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe allergic reactions
Risk factors: History of allergy to other medications or foods
Severe allergic reactions to ipratropium bromide are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Get medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using ipratropium bromide.
Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
Though rare, ipratropium bromide can sometimes cause a muscle spasm in your lungs (bronchospasm). This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. If you become short of breath after using ipratropium bromide, get medical attention right away.
Risk of eye and vision problems
Risk factors: History of glaucoma
Though not common, using ipratropium bromide can raise the pressure in the eyes. This is especially a concern for people with glaucoma. Talk to your eye provider before using ipratropium bromide if you have glaucoma or other eye problems. Try not to get ipratropium bromide in your eyes because this could cause eye pain, discomfort, blurry vision, and other vision changes.
Trouble urinating
Risk factors: Enlarged prostate | Bladder-neck obstruction (blockage)
Ipratropium bromide should be used carefully in people who have prostate problems, because it can worsen this condition and lead to difficulty urinating. Contact your provider if you notice difficulty urinating while using this medication.
Ipratropium bromide dosage forms
The average cost for 25 vials of 2.5ml of 0.02% of Ipratropium bromide is $13.85 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 53.11% off the average retail price of $29.53.
Vial
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5ml of 0.02% | 25 vials | $13.85 | $0.55 |
Typical dosing for Ipratropium bromide
The typical dose is 1 vial inhaled through the mouth by nebulization 3 to 4 times a day. Doses should be spaced 6 to 8 hours apart.
Interactions between Ipratropium bromide and other drugs
Ipratropium bromide may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Ipratropium bromide. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Clozapine
- Glucagon
- Glycopyrrolate
- Glycopyrronium Tosylate
- Methacholine
- Quetiapine
- Revefenacin
- Scopolamine
- Secretin Human
- Tiotropium
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Betel Nut
Ipratropium bromide contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person shouldnot take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditionsor if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Ipratropium bromide will not be safe for you to take.
Severe allergy to an anticholinergic medication
What are alternatives to Ipratropium bromide?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ipratropium bromide. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Ipratropium bromide
Used for:
Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
$13.85 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Spiriva (tiotropium)
Used for:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Asthma in people age 6 years and older - Spiriva Respimat only
$129.81 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Atrovent HFA (ipratropium)
Used for:
Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
$468.22 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
What is the latest news about Ipratropium bromide?
Ipratropium bromide images
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References
starsBest studies we found
Campbell, S. (1999). For COPD a combination of ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate is more effective than albuterol base. Archives of Internal Medicine.
Everard, M. L., et al. (2005). Anticholinergic drugs for wheeze in children under the age of two years. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Khorfan, F. M., et al. (2011). Effects of nebulized bronchodilator therapy on heart rate and arrhythmias in critically ill adult patients. CHEST Journal.
View All References (4)
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Mann, K. V., et al. (1988). Use of ipratropium bromide in obstructive lung disease. Clinical Pharmacy.
Ritedose Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2023). Ipratropium bromide solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Sam, C., et al. (2023). Physiology, acetylcholine. StatPearls.
Sockrider, M. (2020). Nebulizer breathing treatments at home. American Thoracic Society.
GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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