Index
What is it for?
Ipratropium bromide is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older.
The medication is a bronchodilator and works by relaxing specific muscles in the airways to allow more air to come in and out of the lungs.
The uses of inhalation of off-label ipratropium bromide include the treatment of asthma.
The ipratropium bromide inhalation solution belongs to a class of medications known as anticholinergic or antimuscarinic drugs and is inhaled using a nebulizer device.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease.
In COPD, the airways (the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs) are partially obstructed, making it difficult to get in and out of the air.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. While smoking is the most common cause of COPD, other possible causes are.
Common symptoms of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may include:
- Shortness of breath, especially with exercise
- Wheezing (a whistling or squeaking sound when breathing)
- Mucus production
- Top
- Chest tightness.
Depending on your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity, your doctor may recommend a series of medications as part of your treatment.
Some medications to treat the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include:
- Broncodilatadores
- Steroids (like inhaled steroids)
- An annual flu vaccine
- A pneumococcal vaccine.
Lifestyle changes are also recommended. The inhalation solution of ipratropium bromide is a bronchodilator, which helps open the airways.
Ipratropium bromide can be used alone or with other medications to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
How does the ipratropium bromide inhalation solution work?
The inhalation solution of ipratropium bromide belongs to a group of drugs known as anticholinergic or antimuscarinic drugs.
Ipratropium bromide binds to specific receptors (called muscarinic receptors) in the airways, which helps to relax the smooth muscle of the airways.
Use of ipratropium bromide inhalation solution in children
Ipratropium bromide inhalation solution is not approved for use in children under 12, be sure to talk to your doctor about using ipratropium bromide inhalation solution in children.
Occasionally, your doctor may recommend an inhalation solution of ipratropium bromide to treat something other than chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The use of the inhalation solution of ipratropium bromide to treat asthma is considered a use not indicated on the medication label.
Side effects of ipratropium inhalation
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using ipratropium and call your doctor immediately if you have a side effects such as:
- Bronchospasm (wheezing, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing), especially after starting a new container of this medication
- Blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around the lights
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Urinating less than usual or nothing at all
Other common side effects may include:
- Headache, dizziness
- Stuffy nose, sinus pain, dry mouth, cough, hoarseness.
- Nausea, upset stomach, constipation.
- Back pain.
- Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
In case of overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. An overdose of ipratropium can be fatal.
Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeat, tremors, dry mouth, extreme thirst, muscle weakness, severe headache, palpitations in the neck or ears, or the feeling that you will faint.
What should I avoid while using ipratropium?
If this medication comes into contact with your eyes, rinse with water and seek medical attention.
