What Is Atrovent Metered Dose Inhaler Used For?

Atrovent Metered Dose Inhaler contains ipratropium bromide monohydrate and is designed to help people with breathing difficulties breathe more easily.

Primary Uses

Atrovent MDI is used to make breathing easier for people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma is a disease where the lining of the lungs become inflamed (red and swollen), making it difficult to breathe. COPD (which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema) is a long-term, serious lung condition that may cause difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, chest tightness, or coughing up phlegm.

How It Works

Atrovent MDI is a type of bronchodilator, which are medicines that help to open up the airways. It begins to act quickly after use but may take up to 2 hours to give maximum benefit.

How to Take Atrovent Metered Dose Inhaler

Atrovent MDI should be inhaled through the mouth at regular intervals throughout the day. Use it at about the same time each day for best results.

Dosage Instructions

Adults: 2 to 4 puffs, three to four times daily (at regular intervals), up to a maximum of 16 puffs a day. Children 6 to 12 years: 1 to 2 puffs, three to four times daily (at regular intervals), up to a maximum of 8 puffs a day. Children under 6 years: 1 puff, three times daily (at regular intervals). Your doctor may advise a different dose depending on your condition and specific needs. Inhale each puff properly through the mouth. Children should only use their inhaler on medical advice and with the help of an adult.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and have your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, use it as soon as you remember, and then go back to using your medicine as you would normally. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed, as this may increase the chance of getting an unwanted side effect.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Sore or swollen mouth
• Throat irritation
• Cough
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Wind (gas)
• Indigestion
• Reflux

Important Warnings

There are important safety considerations and medical conditions that may affect whether Atrovent MDI is right for you.

Who Should Not Take Atrovent Metered Dose Inhaler

Do not use if you are allergic to ipratropium, atropine, medicines like atropine, or any of the ingredients listed in the medication. Stop using immediately and contact your doctor if you experience sudden chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, or breathlessness right after using Atrovent MDI, as these may be signs of bronchospasm.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Check with your doctor if you have or have had: glaucoma (high pressure in the eye), difficulty or pain when passing urine, constipation, or cystic fibrosis (a serious condition that affects the lungs and digestive system). Tell your doctor immediately if you experience eye irritation or vision disturbances together with red eyes, as this may indicate a serious eye condition called narrow-angle glaucoma.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using this medication.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Atrovent MDI and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking.

• Medicines used to treat heart problems such as adrenaline
• Medicines used to treat asthma or COPD such as theophylline, salbutamol and tiotropium

Alcohol & Driving

Atrovent MDI may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely, and contains a small amount of alcohol.

Alcohol

Atrovent MDI contains about 8 mg of alcohol in each puff, which is equal to less than 1 ml beer or 1 ml wine. This small amount of alcohol will not have any noticeable effects.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Atrovent MDI affects you. Atrovent MDI may cause dizziness and blurred vision in some people. If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous. Children should be careful when performing physical activities.

Storage

Keep your inhaler in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Do not store it in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep Atrovent MDI where young children cannot reach it. Clean and dry your mouthpiece at least once a week to ensure it works properly. Do not puncture the container or throw it into a fire. If you no longer need this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Overdose Information

If you think you have used too much Atrovent MDI, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. Symptoms of an overdose may include a fast or irregular heartbeat, dry mouth, and blurred vision.

Frequently Asked Questions