Atrovent nasal spray (Ipratropium)

What is Atrovent nasal spray?

Atrovent is a prescription medication which belongs to the family of medicines known as bronchodilators.

What is Atrovent nasal spray used for?

Atrovent is prescribed to treat lung diseases, such as, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, or other COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

How does Atrovent nasal spray work?

Atrovent works by releasing the tensed muscles around the airways, causing them to open up and aid in problem free breathing.

How to use Atrovent nasal spray

Atrovent comes in the form of inhaler and nebulizer.

Shake the canister well and have a test spray if you are using it for the first time or if the canister has not been used in the past 3 days.

To use the inhaler, close your eyes and close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Breathe in slowly while pushing down the canister. Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds to let Atrovent be absorbed in the body. Inhale deeply as many times as prescribed by the doctor. If two puffs are prescribed, take an interval of at least one minute between the puffs.

Rinse your mouth thoroughly in order to avoid dryness in the mouth and irritation in the throat. Keep the inhaler clean by keeping it under warm water for at least 30 seconds.

When using the Atrovent nebulizer, measure the prescribed amount of the medicine in the special dropper provided. Place the liquid in the medication chamber and attach the mouthpiece /facemask to the drug chamber. Join it with the compressor and breathe in slowly and evenly till the whole medicine has been inhaled. Remember to sit upright in a position that you are comfortable in.

Remember to take the medicine at evenly spaced intervals, each day, at the same time, for best results.

Atrovent nasal spray warnings and precautions

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to peanuts, soybean, soya lecithin, atropine, and other belladonna type drugs, or if you have any other allergies related with the ingredients of Atrovent.

Before being prescribed with the drug, make sure you tell your doctor if you have a history of narrow angle glaucoma, urinary troubles and enlarged prostate. Your dose will have to be customized according to your medical condition.

Do not undertake tasks that require attention unless permitted by the doctor. Avoid alcohol as far as possible. Atrovent should not be given to children below the age of 12 years.

Pregnant women are advised to take Atrovent only after the doctor’s permission. Nursing mothers are advised to not use this medicine as it passes through breast milk and can be harmful for the child.

What do I do if I have missed a Atrovent nasal spray dose?

If you have missed an Atrovent dose, take it as soon as you remember at evenly spaced intervals. Do not double up the dose to cover up.

What do I do if I have taken a Atrovent nasal spray overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Atrovent, you will have to immediately rush to the doctor or the nearest poison control center.

Atrovent nasal spray interactions

Before taking this medicine, tell your physician about all the prescription and non prescription drugs that you are using especially about certain antihistamines like diphenhydramine and meclizine; anti spasmodic medicines like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine; medicines for Parkinson’s disease; psychiatric drugs like chloropromazine, pramlintide and tricyclic anti depressants like amitriptyline and imipramine.

Atrovent nasal spray side effects

Atrovent side effects include hives, breathing trouble, pain in the eye; swelling of face, throat, tongue and lips; urinary troubles and increased wheezing. If you experience a fast, pounding heart beat, rush to your doctor immediately.

Some of the less serious side effects of Atrovent consist of headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, nausea, dry mouth, hoarseness and cough, and blurred vision. Consult your doctor immediately if these conditions persist.