Ipratropium inhalation

Ipratropium is a medicine that helps open the airways. It is used to prevent bronchospasm in people with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which includes bronchitis and emphysema.

Ipratropium inhalation may also be used for reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use more than 12 inhalations in a 24-hour period.

If you are using this medicine with a nebulizer, space your doses 6 to 8 hours apart.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Before your first use of ipratropium inhalation aerosol, prime the inhaler with 2 test sprays into the air, away from your face. Prime again whenever the inhaler has not been used in longer than 3 days. You do not need to shake this medicine before each use.

Ipratropium is not a rescue medicine for bronchospasm attacks. Use only fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working as well.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Keep the cover on your inhaler when not in use. Keep away from open flame or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.

Throw away the inhaler canister when the dose indicator reaches 0, even if it feels like there is still medicine inside.

Store unused vials in the foil pouch.

Do not get this medicine in your eyes, especially if you have glaucoma.

Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working as well.

You should not use ipratropium inhalation if you are allergic to ipratropium or atropine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma;
• an enlarged prostate; or
• bladder obstruction or other urination problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Ipratropium inhalation aerosol is not approved for anyone younger than 18 years old. Ipratropium inhalation solution is not approved for anyone younger than 12 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may need to use a different bronchodilator medication if you have an allergic reaction to ipratropium inhalation.

Ipratropium inhalation may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using ipratropium inhalation;
• little or no urination;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; or
• worsened breathing problems.

Common side effects of ipratropium inhalation may include:

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
• cough with mucus, chest tightness, trouble breathing; or
• tiredness, or headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Maintenance:

Inhalation aerosol: 2 inhalations (34 mcg) orally four times a day, or as needed up to 12 inhalations in 24 hoursNebulizer inhalation solution: 500 mcg three or four times a day by oral nebulization, with doses 6 to 8 hours apartUse:-Maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema

Usual Pediatric Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Maintenance:

Nebulizer inhalation solution:Less than 12 years: Safety has not been established.12 years or older: 500 mcg three or four times a day by oral nebulization, with doses 6 to 8 hours apartUse:-Maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema

Use the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Do not use more than 12 inhalations in a 24-hour period.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not let ipratropium inhalation come into contact with your eyes, especially if you have glaucoma. If ipratropium inhalation is accidentally sprayed into your eyes, it can cause blurred vision or eye irritation, and may worsen glaucoma.

This medicine may cause blurred vision and could affect your reactions. Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• medicines for depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness;
• cold or allergy medicines (like Benadryl and others);
• medicines for Parkinson's disease;
• medicines for stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome;
• medicines for overactive bladder; or
• any other bronchodilator medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect ipratropium, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.