Inhalation aerosol, inhalation solution
To control the symptoms of lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
It inhibits the cough reflex by blocking the activity of acetylcholine, a chemical that, in the lungs, causes the smooth muscles surrounding the airways to constrict. Therefore, when inhaled, ipratropium bromide causes the airways to widen (bronchodilation).
The drug may be used as needed to relieve respiratory symptoms. For chronic obstructive lung disease such as bronchitis or emphysema-- Inhalation aerosol: Adults and children 6 and over: 2 to 4 inhalations 3 or 4 times a day at regularly spaced intervals. Some patients may need 6 to 8 inhalations a day. Inhalation solution, adults and children 12 and over: 250 to 500 micrograms in a nebulizer 3 or 4 times a day, every 6 to 8 hours.
5 to 15 minutes.
3 to 4 hours.
Sugarless hard candy or gum can be taken to relieve dry mouth.
Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat and direct light. Open bottles of the solution should be refrigerated, but do not allow the solution to freeze.
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosage schedule. Do not double the next dose.
It may not be necessary to continue using the medication for as long as originally prescribed; consult your doctor.
You should see your doctor regularly if you must take this drug for a prolonged period.
Ipratropium is not expected to cause different problems in older patients than in younger persons.
Do not drive or engage in hazardous work until you determine how the medicine affects you.
No special precautions are necessary.
Ipratropium has not caused birth defects in animals. Human studies have not been done. Before you take ipratropium, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether ipratropium passes into breast milk; caution is advised. Consult your doctor for specific advice.
Ipratropium has been tested in children and has not been shown to cause different effects than in adults.
To test the inhaler, insert the canister into the mouthpiece, take the cap off the mouthpiece, shake the inhaler 3 or 4 times, and spray once into the air. To use the inhaler, hold it upright, with the mouthpiece end down, shake it 3 or 4 times, then breathe out. Spray into open mouth or with mouth closed over inhaler, as recommended by your doctor. Clean the inhaler, mouthpiece, and spacer at least twice a week. To take the inhalation solution, use a power-operated nebulizer with a face mask or mouthpiece. Get instructions for using the nebulizer from your doctor.
No specific ones have been reported.
An overdose of ipratropium is unlikely to be life-threatening. However, if someone takes a much larger dose than prescribed, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center.
Before you use ipratropium, tell your doctor if you are using any other prescription or over-the-counter drug.
No known food interactions.
Consult your doctor if you have glaucoma or difficulty urinating.
