What is Atrovent Inhaler used for?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition in which it makes it difficult for you to breathe. Bronchitis is when your bronchial tubes, which carry the air to your lungs become inflamed and swollen. Because of this you end up with a nagging cough and mucus. Emphysema happens when the linings of the tiny air sacs in your lungs become damaged beyond repair. And over time your lungs damage only gets worse.

Atrovent Inhaler is what is known as a bronchodilator, and it relaxes the muscles in the airways and helps to increase air flow to the lungs.  This medication is also used to help prevent bronchospasm or the narrowing of the airways in the lungs, for people diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Use this medication as prescribed by your doctor, follow all of the directions and if you have any concerns speak with your doctor as soon as you can.

Before your first use, prime the inhaler with 2 test sprays into the away, and away from your face. Prime it once again whenever the inhaler has not been used for longer than 3 days.  You do not need to shake this medication for each use.

Do not use more than 12 Atrovent inhalations in a 24 hour period.

If you are allergic to ipratropium or atropine, notify your doctor. You should not use this inhaler if you allergic to either of these medicines. 

Notify your doctor if you have ever experienced any of the following; glaucoma, and enlarged prostate, bladder obstruction or other urination problems.

Make note to tell you doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

This medication is not approved to be used by anyone younger then the age of 18.

Get medical help if you have any signs of having an allergic reaction to Atrovent. Which are as follows; hives, difficulty in breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Speak with your doctor about receiving treatment for a different medication if you have an allergic reaction to ipratropium.

Seek medical attention at once if you have the following; wheezing, choking, or anything breathing problems after taking this medication.

Side Effects may include; dry mouth, bitter taste, headache, dizziness, stuffy nose, sinus pain, cough, hoarseness, nausea, upset stomach, constipation, back pain, fever, chills, body aches, and other flu symptoms.

What is Atrovent Inhaler?

Atrovent Inhaler is a prescription medication manufactured by a one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies; Boehringer Ingelheim. The Atrovent Inhaler has been used by patients since 1986 as an effective bronchodilator medication. Each inhaler contains 20mcg (which is measured as 18mcg internationally) of the active ingredient, ipratropium.

What is Ipratropium?

Ipratropium, which is technically called ipratropium bromide, is a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (a type of anticholinergic) bronchodilator which is used in the Atrovent Inhaler for its therapeutic effects. Ipratropium is administered by inhalation, metabolized by the liver, and is excreted mainly through the urine with a half life of about 1.6 hours. This medication requires a valid prescription to be purchased.

What is Ipratropium used for?

Ipratropium is used for certain inflammatory lung diseases; these are conditions that affect the respiratory system. More specifically, ipratropium is used for chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases which impede airflow to the lungs; this includes conditions like bronchitis and emphysema.

What does Ipratropium do?

Using ipratropium Inhaler can prevent bronchospasms and the consequential symptoms. A bronchial spasm is a sudden constriction of muscles located in the walls of the bronchioles; this causes the airways to become narrow and limits the air flow to the lungs. When this occurs, it causes pain, tightness, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing. These are all symptoms which can be prevented – or, at the very least, decrease the risk – by using ipratropium.

How does Ipratropium work?

Ipratropium is able to prevent bronchial spasms in those with inflammatory lung diseases by relaxing the muscles that surround the airways; this allows them to open up wider, allowing more air to flow through to the lungs, and preventing bronchial spasms and any consequential symptoms.

How to use Atrovent inhaler?

You must prime the inhaler before you use it for the first time or if you have not used it in a while. To prime the device, spray the medicine two times into the air and away from your face. Once you have primed the device, shake the inhaler three or four times. When you inhale the medicine from the inhaler, your doctor may direct you to do the open-mouth method or the closed-mouth method; it is important to fully understand and follow all directions on how your doctor would like you to use this medication before starting treatment.

What is Ipratropium bromide and Albuterol Sulfate?

Sometimes a single active ingredient inhaler – such as the Atrovent inhaler - is not sufficient enough on its own to prevent bronchospasms. When this is the case, your doctor may prescribe you a combination inhaler; an inhaler containing two different antihypertensive drugs to help treat the condition using two methods of action, to help increase efficacy. This specific combination (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) is an inhaler containing an anticholinergic bronchodilator and an adrenergic bronchodilator and is sold as the brand name medication, DuoNeb. We carry this combination inhaler, as well as the Atrovent inhaler, at My Drug Center for an affordable cost.