How does Atrovent Inhaler (Ipratropium Bromide) work:

Atrovent Inhaler contains the active ingredient ipratropium bromide, which is a type of medicine called an antimuscarinic bronchodilator. Ipratropium bromide works by opening the airways, making it easier to breathe. Atrovent is a preventative medicine and cannot be used for acute attacks.

Inhaling the medicine allows it to act directly in the lungs where it is needed most. It also reduces the potential for side effects occurring in other parts of the body, as the amount absorbed into the blood through the lungs, is lower than if it is taken by mouth. Atrovent aerocaps are used with an inhaler device called an aerohaler.

Atrovent inhaler and aerohaler do not open the airways as quickly as short-acting beta 2 agonists (reliever inhalers) such as salbutamol or terbutaline. This means that instead of being used to relieve shortness of breath, they are used as a regular treatment to help keep the airways open all the time.

People with COPD who have been shown to benefit from regular use of high doses of ipratropium are also sometimes prescribed nebules to be used in a nebuliser at home.

Side Effects:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Cough
• Throat irritation
• Unexpected narrowing of the airways
• Increased heart rate
• Awareness of your heart beat
• Constipation
• Blurred vision
• Difficultly in passing urine
  

Further Information:

Please note: For more information about any other possible risks, please consult your physician or pharmacist and read the information provided with Atrovent.