IPRATROPIUM

Brand & Generic Names

Atrovent

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Bronchodilator

Uses

• Treats asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.
• Should not be used alone for acute asthma attacks. May be used with inhalation forms of albuterol or fenoterol.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to use:
By inhalation. Follow printed instructions on package.
Avoid contact with eyes.
Allow 1 minute between inhalations.

When to take:
Follow your doctor's instructions.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Dilates bronchial tubes by direct effect on them.

Time lapse before drug works:
None. Effect begins right away.

Don't take with:
Any other medicines (including over-the-counter drugs such as cough and cold medicines, laxatives, antacids, diet pills, caffeine, nose drops or vitamins) without consulting your doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None likely.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Pounding heartbeat. Discontinue. Call doctor right away.

Common:

Cough, headache, dizziness, nervousness, nausea.

Infrequent:

Blurred vision, difficult urination, stuffy nose, insomnia, tremors, weakness.

Rare:

Skin rash, ulcers on lips or in mouth, hives.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are sensitive to belladonna or atropine.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have prostate trouble.
• If you have glaucoma.
• If you have severe dental problems.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. You may need smaller doses for shorter periods of time.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
No special problems expected. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Effect not documented. Consult your pediatrician.

Prolonged use:
Decreases saliva flow and may increase cavities, gum disease, thrush and discomfort.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Avoid if you feel confused, drowsy or dizzy.

Discontinuing:
No special problems expected.

Others:

• Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
• Allow 5-minute intervals between ipratropium inhalations and inhalations of cromolyn, cortisone or other inhalant medicines.
• Check with doctor if this medicine doesn't bring relief within 30 minutes.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Cisapride	Decreased ipratropium effect.
Cromolyn	Decreased effectiveness of both
	drugs.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	No special problems expected.
Beverages:	No special problems expected.
Cocaine:	Excess central nervous system
	stimulation. Avoid.
Foods:	No special problems expected.
Marijuana:	Decreased ipratropium effect.
Tobacco:	Decreased ipratropium effect.