Ipratropium
Description
Ipratropium is an oral inhalation medicine that is used in the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways) associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (blockage of airflow to your lungs). It works by relaxing and widening the blocked air passages of your lungs. Thus it improves the airflow to your lungs and makes breathing easier.
Ipratropium may cause side effects like headache, cough, tiredness, pain during passing out urine, tightness in the chest, etc. Inform your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen. These side effects usually subside with time. However, consult your doctor for further assistance if they persist or worsen.
Ipratropium is a prescription medicine. It should be used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. For ease of remembering, use it around the same time every day. Even if you see an improvement in your condition, do not stop taking it. If you discontinue Ipratropium early, your symptoms may recur or worsen.
Ipratropium is not recommended if you are allergic to it. It should be taken with caution if you have glaucoma (an eye condition caused due to abnormality in the drainage system of the eye leading to nerve damage) or blockage in the bladder.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Ipratropium
- Bladder pain
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Ear congestion
- Constipation
- Headache
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Fainting
- Severe eye pain
Uses of Ipratropium
What is it prescribed for?
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Rhinorrhoea
- Asthma
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of Ipratropium can be observed as follows: Oral inhalation: the effect can be seen within 1-3 minutes. Intra-nasal route: the effect of Ipratropium can be observed within 15 minutes.
- Duration of effectThe effect of Ipratropium lasts for an average duration of three to four hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Ipratropium.
- Usage in pregnancy?Ipratropium is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless necessary. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Ipratropium is not recommended for use while breastfeeding unless necessary. Consult your doctor to understand the potential risk and benefits before using this medicine.
Allergy
Avoid using Ipratropium if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (of the face/tongue/throat), breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Ipratropium is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless necessary. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Ipratropium is not recommended for use while breastfeeding unless necessary. Consult your doctor to understand the potential risk and benefits before using this medicine.
General warnings
Glaucoma
Ipratropium should be used with caution if you are diagnosed with glaucoma (an eye condition caused due to abnormality in the drainage system of the eye leading to nerve damage) as this medicine may cause serious side effects and worsen your condition.
Urinary Retention
Ipratropium should be taken with caution if you have urinary retention. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Use in children
Ipratropium is not recommended for use in children less than 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy data of use are not clinically established.
Other medicines
Ipratropium may interact with other medicines and cause side effects. Hence, inform your doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Tachycardia
Ipratropium should be taken with caution if you have irregular heartbeats, as it can worsen your condition. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Missed Dose
Do not miss the dose of Ipratropium. In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Ipratropium. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Atropine
Clozapine
Tiotropium
Darifenacin
Disease interactions
Liver/kidney impairment
Ipratropium should be used with caution if you have a kidney or liver condition as there is a lack of study.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Use Ipratropium exactly as advised by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed.
The prescribed dosage form, frequency, and duration of uptake are specific to your needs.
Ensure that you use Ipratropium for the recommended duration. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Consult your doctor if you experience any undesired effects that persist or worsen.
Follow all the instructions given in the leaflet before using it. Do not swallow or inject the solution. Avoid using Ipratropium if the solution is not clear or colourless.
The inhaler should be washed with water and dried under sunlight. Rinse your mouth after inhalation to prevent mouth infections.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Ipratropium works by relaxing and widening the blocked air passages of your lungs. It improves the airflow to your lungs and makes breathing easier.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Anti Cholinergic Brochodilators, Nasal antihistamines and decongestants
Schedule
Schedule H
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DailyMed - ipratropium bromide solution [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 29 March 2018]. Available from:
Ipratropium Oral Inhalation: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2018 [cited 29 March 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2018 [cited 29 March 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2018 [cited 29 March 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 24 Apr 2023
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.