Atrovent Inhaler

Authored by

Dr Muhammad Zeeshan Afzal

19 August 2024

What is Atrovent Inhaler?

Atrovent Inhaler is an asthma medication for everyday use to treat asthma symptoms or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD). This inhaler improves airflow through the airways, making it easier to breathe.

Description

Atrovent Inhaler for Asthma & Breathing Problems

Asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are breathing conditions that primarily affect the lungs and can cause a range of breathing difficulties. Asthma often occurs after exposure to a trigger, however, it can happen randomly. Triggers may include common allergies to pollen or animal dander, infections, environmental changes or from exercise.

The Atrovent inhaler is a prescription treatment for asthma. This product contains the active ingredient ipratropium bromide, which is a member of the class of drugs called anticholinergics. It is used to open up medium to large-sized airways in the lungs and lung diseases, e.g., asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

What is an Atrovent Inhaler and how does it work?

Each actuation gives (20mcg) of the drug ipratropium bromide. As the drug reaches the site of action through the blood, it causes the relaxation of the muscles present around the airways. The airways open up, allowing easy breathing to you. It also reduces the amount of mucus produced in the respiratory organs. For better effectiveness, it should be used regularly.

Is an Atrovent Inhaler right for me?

If you are diagnosed with asthma, COPD or other breathing condition, you may be prescribed an Atrovent Inhaler by a doctor or healthcare professional. However, it may not be suitable for you if you have the following:

If you are allergic to any other ingredients in this medicine
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding
If you have glaucoma
If you have problems passing water (urine)
If you are a man who has prostate problems
If you have cystic fibrosis
If you are taking xanthine derivatives or steroids to treat asthma
If you are taking anticholinergic medicines or other inhalers

Side Effects

All medications can cause potential side effects, below we have listed some potential side effects of the Atrovent Inhaler. However, these do not always occur and are mostly mild in nature. But if you experience any prolonged or worrying side effects of the Atrovent Inhaler, please discontinue the medication immediately and consult your doctor.

Common side effects include:

Headache
Cough and throat irritation
Stomach upset
Dry mouth
Nausea
Dizziness

How to use an Atrovent Inhaler?

Always use an Atrovent Inhaler exactly as prescribed by your doctor or advised by the pharmacist. The recommended starting dose for adults is one or two puffs to be inhaled three or four times daily, however, in presence of other factors, this may be increased or decreased accordingly as per the prescriber's clinical judgement.

For adults:

One or two puffs to be inhaled three or four times daily
Sometimes, in early treatment, up to four puffs at a time may be taken

Video on how to use a Atrovent Inhaler

Warnings and Precautions

The Atrovent Inhaler may not be safe if taken with other medication or recreational drugs. Please inform the prescriber if you are taking any of the listed medications.

DO NOT use the Atrovent Inhaler:

If you are allergic to any other ingredients in this medicine
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding
If you have glaucoma
If you have problems passing water (urine)
If you are a man who has prostate problems
If you have cystic fibrosis
If you are taking xanthine derivatives or steroids to treat asthma
If you are taking anticholinergic medicines or other inhalers