Atrovent HFA Side Effects

Generic name: ipratropium

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 16, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Atrovent HFA Side Effects associated with ipratropium. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Atrovent HFA.

Applies to ipratropium: inhalation solution.

Serious side effects of Atrovent HFA

Along with its needed effects, ipratropium (the active ingredient contained in Atrovent HFA) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ipratropium:

More common side effects

• bladder pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• cough producing mucus
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• difficulty with breathing
• frequent urge to urinate
• lower back or side pain
• shortness of breath
• tightness in the chest
• wheezing

Less common side effects

• body aches or pain
• chills
• cough
• ear congestion
• fever
• headache
• loss of voice
• runny nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare side effects

• constipation (continuing) or lower abdominal pain or bloating
• fainting
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• severe eye pain
• skin rash or hives
• swelling of the face, lips, or eyelids

Incidence not known

• blindness
• blurred vision
• confusion
• decrease in the frequency of urination
• decrease in the urine volume
• decreased vision
• difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• hives or welts
• itching
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• nausea or vomiting
• noisy breathing
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness of the skin
• redness of the white part of the eyes or inside of the eyelids
• sweating
• tearing

Other side effects of Atrovent HFA

Some side effects of ipratropium may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• back pain
• dryness of the mouth
• unpleasant taste

Less common or rare side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• burning eyes
• diarrhea
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• heartburn
• indigestion
• joint pain
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches and pains
• nervousness
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• shivering
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• trembling
• trouble sleeping

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ipratropium: compounding powder, inhalation aerosol, inhalation solution.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions were bronchitis, COPD exacerbation, dyspnea, headache, throat irritation, cough, dry mouth, gastro-intestinal motility disorders (including constipation, diarrhea and vomiting), nausea, and dizziness.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Bronchitis (up to 14.6%), upper respiratory tract infection (up to 13.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain, cough, dyspnea, bronchospasm, sputum increased, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, throat irritation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Paradoxical bronchospasm, laryngospasm, pharyngeal edema, dry throat^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Mouth dryness, nausea, gastrointestinal motility disorder, dyspepsia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Constipation, diarrhea, taste perversion, vomiting, stomatitis
• Frequency not reported: Mouth edema^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urinary retention^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arthritis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tremor, nervousness^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Influenza-like symptoms, pain^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypertension, palpitations, supraventricular tachycardia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Atrial fibrillation, rate increased
• Frequency not reported: Hypotension, palpitation, tachycardia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, pruritus
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Urticaria^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity, anaphylactic reactions, angioedema of tongue, lips, face
• Frequency not reported: Urticaria (including giant urticaria), laryngospasm^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blurred vision, mydriasis, intraocular pressure increased, glaucoma, eye pain, halo vision, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Accommodation disorder
• Frequency not reported: Precipitation or worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma, acute eye pain^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Can asthma inhalers cause a sore throat?

Further information

Atrovent HFA side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer