Drug Detail:Ipratropium (systemic, oral inhalation) (monograph) (Atrovent)
Drug Class:
Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Maintenance
Inhalation aerosol: 2 inhalations (34 mcg) orally four times a day, or as needed up to 12 inhalations in 24 hours
Nebulizer inhalation solution: 500 mcg three or four times a day by oral nebulization, with doses 6 to 8 hours apart
Use:
- Maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema
Usual Pediatric Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Maintenance
Nebulizer inhalation solution:
Less than 12 years: Safety has not been established.
12 years or older: 500 mcg three or four times a day by oral nebulization, with doses 6 to 8 hours apart
Use:
- Maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema
Renal Dose Adjustments
Use with caution.
Liver Dose Adjustments
Use with caution.
Precautions
Inhalation aerosol:
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Nebulizer inhalation solution:
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 12 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- For oral Inhalation only.
- Drug should be used consistently as prescribed throughout the course of therapy.
- The manufacturer product information should be consulted for instructions of use.
Inhalation aerosol:
- The inhaler should be primed before using for the first time by releasing 2 test sprays into the air away from the face, or if it has not been used for more than 3 days.
- Avoid spraying this drug into the eyes while priming the inhaler.
Nebulizer inhalation solution:
- The use of a nebulizer with mouthpiece rather than face mask may be preferable, to reduce the likelihood of the nebulizer solution reaching the eyes.
- Inhalation solution can be mixed in the nebulizer with albuterol or metaproterenol if used within one hour but not with other drugs.
- Drug stability and safety of inhalation solution when mixed with other drugs in a nebulizer have not been established.
General:
- This drug is not indicated for the initial treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm where rescue therapy is required for rapid response
Patient advice:
- Use only as directed by your physician.
- More frequent administration or higher doses are not recommended.
- If this drug is spayed into the eyes, consult your physician immediately if symptoms of blurry vision and other vision abnormalities, eye pain or discomfort, dilated pupils, or narrow-angle glaucoma or worsening of this condition develop while using this drug.