Ipratropium Side Effects

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

Applies to ipratropium: inhalation solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress closely while you are using this medicine to see if it is working properly and to help reduce any unwanted effects.

Check with your doctor at once if your symptoms do not improve within 30 minutes after using a dose of this medicine or if your condition gets worse.

For patients using ipratropium inhalation solution:

• If you are also using cromolyn inhalation solution, do not mix that solution with the ipratropium inhalation solution containing the preservative benzalkonium chloride for use in a nebulizer. To do so will cause the solution to become cloudy. However, if your condition requires you to use cromolyn inhalation solution with ipratropium inhalation solution, it may be mixed with ipratropium inhalation solution that is preservative-free.

This medicine may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; hives; hoarseness; trouble with breathing; trouble with swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, mouth, or throat while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which means your breathing or wheezing will get worse. Paradoxical bronchospasm may be life-threatening. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing after using this medicine.

This medicine may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or trouble in seeing clearly. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do other jobs that require you to be alert, well-coordinated, or able to see well.

Take all of your COPD medicines as your doctor ordered. If you use any type of corticosteroid medicine to control your breathing, keep using it as ordered by your doctor. This includes corticosteroid medicines that are taken by mouth or inhaled (such as prednisone, Azmacort®, or Flovent®). If any of your COPD medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your doctor right away. Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of ipratropium

Along with its needed effects, ipratropium 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:

Other side effects of ipratropium

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:

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]

See also:

Further information

Ipratropium 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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

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