Atrovent Inhalation Solution (Ipratropium Bromide Monohydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Atrovent Inhalation Solution Used For?
Atrovent Inhalation Solution contains ipratropium bromide monohydrate, which belongs to a group of medicines called anticholinergic bronchodilators. It works by opening up the air passages in your lungs to help you breathe more easily.
Primary Uses
Atrovent Inhalation Solution is used to treat asthma, chronic obstructive bronchitis, and breathing difficulties in people who need assisted ventilation during or after surgery. Asthma is a lung condition where the airways become inflamed and swollen, making breathing difficult. Chronic obstructive bronchitis causes breathing problems, wheezing, and constant coughing.
How It Works
The medication begins to work quickly after use but may take up to 2 hours to provide maximum benefit. It helps control your condition but does not cure it, so it’s important to keep using it even when you feel well.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Atrovent Inhalation Solution is addictive.
How to Take Atrovent Inhalation Solution
Atrovent Inhalation Solution is designed for inhalation using suitable nebulizing equipment and must never be swallowed. Always prepare diluted solutions fresh before use and discard any leftover solution from the nebulizer bowl after inhalation.
Dosage Instructions
Adults: 1 to 2 mL diluted to 2-3 mL with normal saline, nebulized until the entire volume is inhaled, 4 times daily. Children: 1 mL diluted to 2-3 mL with normal saline, nebulized until the entire volume is inhaled, 4 times daily. The dropper delivers 1 mL per 20 drops. Each 1 mL contains 261 micrograms of ipratropium bromide monohydrate. Fit the nebulizer mask properly to prevent mist from contacting your eyes. If mist gets in your eyes, flush immediately with cold tap water for several minutes.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you’re unsure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. This may increase your chance of getting unwanted side effects. Do not use the solution if the bottle has been opened for more than 28 days.
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
- throat irritation
- cough
- sore or dry mouth
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- indigestion
- reflux
- wind
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- difficulty breathing or worsening breathing problems
- swelling of the throat
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- pounding heartbeat
- allergic reaction symptoms (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, skin rash)
- eye irritation or feeling of something in the eye
- red eyes
- dilated pupils
- blurred vision
- visual halos or colored images
- difficulty passing urine
Important Warnings
Before using Atrovent Inhalation Solution, it’s important to tell your doctor about any allergies or medical conditions you have.
Who Should Not Take Atrovent Inhalation Solution
Do not use if you are allergic to ipratropium bromide monohydrate, atropine, similar medicines containing atropine, any ingredients listed in this medication, or any other anticholinergic medicines. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or skin rash and itching.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have or have had: glaucoma (high pressure in the eye), difficulty or pain when passing urine, constipation, cystic fibrosis, or hyper reactive airways.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Atrovent Inhalation Solution during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Atrovent Inhalation Solution and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Important: Some nebulizer solutions may not mix well with Atrovent Inhalation Solution and may need to be nebulized separately. Check with your doctor before mixing other nebulizer solutions.
- medicines used to treat heart problems such as adrenaline
- medicines used to treat asthma or COPD such as theophylline, salbutamol or tiotropium
- other nebulizer solutions such as disodium cromoglycate that contain benzalkonium chloride preservative
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Atrovent Inhalation Solution affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Atrovent Inhalation Solution may cause dizziness and blurred vision in some people. If you experience these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that could be dangerous. Children should be careful when performing physical activities.
Storage
Keep Atrovent Inhalation Solution in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Discard unused contents 28 days after opening. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Atrovent Inhalation Solution, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you have no symptoms. Overdose symptoms may include fast or irregular heartbeat, dry mouth, and blurred vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Atrovent Inhalation Solution begins to act quickly after use but may take up to 2 hours to give maximum benefit.
No, there is no evidence that Atrovent Inhalation Solution is addictive.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Atrovent Inhalation Solution should not be used if the bottle has been opened for more than 28 days. After this period, you should use a new bottle.
If the mist contacts your eyes, immediately flush your eyes with cold tap water for several minutes. Contact your doctor if you experience eye irritation, vision changes, or red eyes.
No, do not stop using Atrovent Inhalation Solution without checking with your doctor. It helps control your condition but does not cure it, so it’s important to keep using it even when you feel well.
If you find that your usual dose is not giving as much relief as before, or you need to use it more often, contact your doctor so your condition can be checked.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.