Atrovent inhaler, aerocaps and UDVs all contain the active ingredient ipratropium bromide, which is a type of drug called an antimuscarinic bronchodilator. (NB. Ipratropium is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug.) Ipratropium works by opening the airways to make it easier to breathe.
In conditions where there is narrowing of the airways, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, eg emphysema and chronic bronchitis), it is difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs.
Ipratropium works in the lungs, where it blocks receptors called muscarinic receptors that are found on the muscle surrounding the airways. A natural chemical called acetylcholine normally acts on these receptors, causing the muscle in the airways to contract and the airways to narrow.
Ipratropium blocks the muscarinic receptors in the lungs and therefore stops the action of acetylcholine on them. This allows the muscle around the airways to relax and the airways to open. This makes it easier for people with asthma or COPD to breathe.
Ipratropium is taken using an inhaler device such as Atrovent inhaler. Inhaling the drug allows it to act directly in the lungs where it is needed most. It also reduces the potential for side effects occurring in other parts of the body, as the amount absorbed into the blood through the lungs is lower than if it is taken by mouth. Atrovent aerocaps are used with an inhaler device called an aerohaler.
Atrovent inhaler and aerohaler don't open the airways as quickly as short-acting beta 2 agonists (reliever inhalers) such as salbutamol or terbutaline. This means that instead of being used to relieve shortness of breath, they are used as a regular treatment to help keep the airways open all the time.
Nebuliser solutions of ipratropium are used in the emergency treatment of acute breathing difficulties. A nebuliser is a machine that converts the liquid drug inside the nebules into particles that can be inhaled. It is used to deliver higher doses of the drug than a standard inhaler. Atrovent UDVs (unit dose vials) are used in a nebuliser.
People with COPD who have been shown to benefit from regular use of high doses of ipratropium are also sometimes prescribed nebules to be used in a nebuliser at home.
Why is this drug prescribed?
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd);
- asthma;
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.
Atrovent inhalation aerosol and solution are not for initial use in acute attacks of bronchial spasm when fast action is needed.
- worsening of symptoms;
- wheezing;
- upper respiratory infection;
- thirst;
- swollen nose;
- stomach and intestinal upset;
- sore throat;
- sneezing;
- skin rash;
- sinus inflammation;
- ringing in the ears;
- rash;
- pounding heartbeat;
- posterior nasal drip;
- pain;
- nosebleed;
- nervousness;
- nausea;
- nasal tumors;
- nasal irritation/itching/burning;
- nasal dryness;
- nasal congestion;
- irritation from aerosol;
- inflamed nasal ulcers;
- increased runny nose or nasal inflammation;
- hoarseness;
- headache;
- headache;
- eye irritation;
- dry mouth/throat;
- dry mouth;
- dizziness;
- diarrhea;
- cough;
- cough;
- conjunctivitis ("pinkeye");
- change in taste;
- bronchitis;
- breathlessness;
- nasal spray;
- inhalation aerosol and solution;
- unexpected narrowing of the airways (paradoxical bronchospasm);
- throat irritation;
- nausea and vomiting;
- increased heart rate (tachycardia);
- headache;
- dry mouth;
- difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention);
- cough;
- constipation;
- blurred vision;
- awareness of your heart beat (palpitations);
- blurred vision;
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.
NASAL SPRAY 0.06%
Runny Nose due to Colds
The usual adult dose is 2 sprays in each nostril 3 or 4 times a day. 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. Can be used safely for hay fever for up to 3 weeks.
