Ipratropium Inhalation Aerosol

Generic name: Ipratropium Inhalation Aerosol [ i-pra-TROE-pee-um ]
Brand name: Atrovent HFA
Drug class: Anticholinergic bronchodilators

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 24, 2024.

Uses of Ipratropium Inhalation Aerosol:

• It is used to open the airways in lung diseases where spasm may cause breathing problems.
• This medicine is not to be used to treat intense flare-ups of shortness of breath. Use a rescue inhaler. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Ipratropium Inhalation Aerosol?

• If you are allergic to ipratropium inhalation aerosol; any part of ipratropium inhalation aerosol; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are using another drug like this one. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with ipratropium inhalation aerosol.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take ipratropium inhalation aerosol with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Ipratropium Inhalation Aerosol?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take ipratropium inhalation aerosol. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how ipratropium inhalation aerosol affects you.
• Call your doctor right away if your breathing problems get worse, if your rescue inhaler does not work as well, or if you need to use your rescue inhaler more often.
• If ipratropium inhalation aerosol gets in the eyes, rinse with water right away. Call the doctor right away if ipratropium inhalation aerosol gets in the eyes and blurred eyesight, worsened glaucoma, or eye pain happens.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Ipratropium Inhalation Aerosol) best taken?

Use ipratropium inhalation aerosol as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Keep out of your eyes.
• Keep using ipratropium inhalation aerosol as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• If you are using more than 1 inhaled drug, ask the doctor which drug to use first.
• For breathing in only.
• Prime the inhaler before first use or if not used for more than 3 days by spraying it 2 times.
• Put the cap back on after you are done using your dose.
• A spacer may be used with the inhaler for easy use.
• Do not use near an open flame or while smoking. It may burst.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) like blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine often or right away, fever, lower stomach pain, or pelvic pain.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.
• Seeing halos or bright colors around lights.
• Red eyes.
• Trouble passing urine, pain when passing urine, passing urine in a weak stream or drips, or passing urine more often.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Fast or abnormal heartbeat.
• Mouth irritation or mouth sores.
• This medicine can cause very bad breathing problems right after you take a dose. Sometimes, this may be life-threatening. If you have trouble breathing, breathing that is worse, wheezing, or coughing after using ipratropium inhalation aerosol, use a rescue inhaler and get medical help right away.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Ipratropium Inhalation Aerosol?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Back pain.
• Headache.
• Dry mouth.
• Flu-like signs.
• Nose or throat irritation.
• Nose stuffiness.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Ipratropium Inhalation Aerosol?

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Protect from heat or open flame. Do not puncture or burn even if it seems empty.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about ipratropium inhalation aerosol, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer