Atrovent 20mcg Inhalers (Ipratropium)

Atrovent general information

What is Atrovent used for?

Atrovent inhaler (CFC-free) is used for the long-term treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other obstructive airways disease, like chronic bronchitis, and emphysema and for management of chronic asthma. Atrovent inhaler relieves symptoms caused by reversible bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways), such as shortness of breath, chronic cough with sputum production, tightness of the chest and wheezing and increases air flow to the lungs.

How does Atrovent work?

Atrovent inhaler (CFC-free) contains the bronchodilator ipratropium bromide, which is a long-acting anticholinergic that acts on specific muscarinic receptors in the bronchioles (small airways) of the lung to inhibit the interaction of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger of the nervous system) with muscarinic receptors, preventing spasm of the airway wall caused by acetylcholine. Blocking the action of acetylcholine in the airways, causes the smooth muscle in the airway walls to relax and allows the airways to dilate (widen), which increases air flow into the lungs and relieves bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways). When inhaled ipratropium goes directly into the lungs and very little is absorbed into the blood circulation. Regular long-term use of Atrovent inhaler helps relieve symptoms of obstructive airways diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma reducing shortness of breath, chronic cough with sputum production, tightness of the chest and wheezing.

What does Atrovent contain?

Atrovent inhaler (CFC-free) contains the active ingredient ipratropium bromide, which is a bronchodilator used to treat reversible bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma. It also contains ethanol, purified water anhydrous citric acid and the non-CFC propellant norflurane (also known as HFA 134a or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), which delivers 20mcg ipratropium as an aerosol into your lungs each time your actuate (press down) your inhaler. Each inhaler contains at least 200 actuations.

Treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with Atrovent

Atrovent inhaler (CFC-free) contains the bronchodilator ipratropium, which relaxes the muscles of the airways, reducing bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways) and increasing air flow into the lungs. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive obstructive airways disease that usually gets worse with time, with symptoms similar to asthma, including tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath, as well as chronic cough with sputum production because the lung tissues have become damaged. Regular use of Atrovent inhaler relieves symptoms of reversible bronchospasm.

What are the side effects of Atrovent?

The most common side effects reported when taking Atrovent inhaler include: dry mouth and throat, cough, rapid heart beat (tachycardia), blurred vision, high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), oral candida (thrush), dizziness, nausea, constipation, upset stomach, stuffy nose, nosebleed.

When should Atrovent not be used?

You should not use Atrovent if you:

• are allergic to ipratropium or any of the other ingredients in Atrovent inhaler
• have a history of hypersensitivity to other anticholinergics like atropine or benztropine
• having an acute episode of bronchospasm; Atrovent is not intended for rescue therapy
• have glaucoma, urinary problems, irregular heart beat, or prostate or kidney disease
• are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• are taking medications that may interact with Atrovent inhaler like beta-adrenergic drugs and xanthine

How should Atrovent be taken?

The dose of Atrovent inhaler (CFC-Free) you use (how many puffs or inhalations) and how often you take it depends on what you are being treated for and should be as recommended by your doctor, usually up to 2-4 puffs 2-6 times a day, but less for children, and up to a maximum of 8 puffs a day. Atrovent inhaler begins to work within 2 hours of taking a puff but only lasts for up to 4 hours.

How to use your Atrovent inhaler

Follow the instructions provided with your Atrovent Inhaler.

1. Remove the mouthpiece cover and shake the inhaler.
2. Breathe out as far as is comfortable and then place the mouthpiece in your mouth.
3. Start to inhale and press down on the top of the inhaler to release a dose ipratropium while still breathing in through your mouth until your lungs are full, and then hold your breath for a few seconds.
4. Remove the inhaler and breathe normally.
5. Replace the mouthpiece cover.
6. Rinse your mouth after use.

Note: You can use a spacer device to help you inhale correctly.

How long should you take Atrovent?

You should take your Atrovent inhaler regularly for as long as recommended by your doctor.,

Missed dose of Atrovent

If you miss a dose of Atrovent inhaler take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Atrovent be stored?

Your Atrovent Inhaler (CFC-Free) should be stored below 30°C. Protect your inhaler from frost, it will not work properly if it gets cold and keep away from direct sunlight. Always replace the mouthpiece cover when you are not using your inhaler.