Generic name: Ipratropium inhalation
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Atrovent HFA?
Ipratropium is a bronchodilator that is used to to prevent bronchospasm in people with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), including bronchitis and emphysema.
Ipratropium inhalation may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to ipratropium or atropine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- glaucoma;
- an enlarged prostate; or
- bladder obstruction or other urination problems.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ipratropium inhalation aerosol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Ipratropium inhalation solution is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.
How should I use Atrovent HFA
Use Atrovent HFA (Ipratropium Inhalation) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not use more than 12 inhalations in a 24-hour period.
If you are using this medicine with a nebulizer, space your doses 6 to 8 hours apart.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Before your first use of ipratropium inhalation aerosol, prime the inhaler with 2 test sprays into the air, away from your face. Prime again whenever the inhaler has not been used in longer than 3 days. You do not need to shake this medicine before each use.
Ipratropium is not a rescue medicine for bronchospasm attacks. Use only fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working as well.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Keep the cover on your inhaler when not in use. Keep away from open flame or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.
Throw away the inhaler canister when the dose indicator reaches 0, even if it feels like there is still medicine inside.
Store unused vials in the foil pouch.
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
Do not use more than 12 inhalations in a 24-hour period.
Atrovent HFA side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
You may need to use a different bronchodilator medication if you have an allergic reaction to ipratropium inhalation.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medicine;
- little or no urination;
- blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; or
- worsened breathing problems.
Common side effects may include:
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
- cough with mucus, chest tightness, trouble breathing; or
- tiredness, or headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Atrovent HFA?
Do not get this medicine in your eyes, especially if you have glaucoma. Ipratropium inhalation accidentally sprayed into the eyes can cause blurred vision or eye irritation, and may make glaucoma worse.
This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.