Ipratropium Bromide Description

Generic Name : IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE

Pronunciation : (I pra troe' pee um)

Trade Name(s) : Ipratop, Ipravent,

Why it is prescribed: Ipratropium, a bronchodilator, opens the air passages to the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is used - on a regular schedule - to prevent bronchospam caused by chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung disease. It is not used to treat bronchospasm attacks when a rapid response is required.

When it is to be taken: Ipratropium usually is used for four times a day on a regular schedule. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.

How it should be taken:
1. Ipratroplum comes as an aerosol for oral inhalation with a special inhaler. Your prescription label tells you how many inhalations to take at each dose, usually two.
2. Before you take ipratropium by inhalation, read the written instructions that come with it.
3. Ask your doctor to demonstrate the proper technique, and practice using your inhaler while in his or her presence.
4. If you have difficulty getting the medication into your lungs, a spacer may help.
5. If you have used the inhaler as directed and still cannot breathe freely, contact your doctor.

Special Instruction :
1. Once a day, remove the container of drug from the plastic mouthpiece, wash the mouthpiece with warm tap water, and dry it thoroughly.
2. Ipratropium must be used regularly to be effective. However, do not use this medication more often or take more inhalations at each dose than your doctor has directed.
3. Your doctor may instruct you to take some additional inhalations if required; however, do not inhale more than 12 inhalations in 24 hours.
4. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose near the time for your next scheduled dose, take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects : Nervousness, dizziness, headache, nausea, cough, mouth or throat irritation, dry mouth, skin rash, palpitations, blurred vision. Contact your doctor if these effects persist or are severe.

Other Precautions :
1. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors.
2. Before using ipratropium, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking and if you ever had a bad reaction to atropine.
3. Tell your doctor if you have prostate problems, difficulty urinating, or glaucoma.
4. Avoid getting the spray into your eyes.
5. Temporary blurring of vision can result.
6. Do not allow anyone else to use medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep ipratropium out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and humidity.
3. Avoid puncturing the container.