Atrovent Inhaler and/or Equivalents

Atrovent Inhaler (Ipratropium Inhaler)

Atrovent Inhaler Description

Atrovent Inhaler is a type of pressurized aerosol pack intended for oral inhalation which is used to treat various conditions of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The inhaler, which is manufactured primarily by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, is available as a nasal spray, inhaler and an inhalation liquid. There are several manufacturers who supply the generic version of Atrovent in the market. The primary ingredient in Atrovent Inhaler is ipratropium bromide which is a whitish colored crystalline substance. A 200mg inhaler pack of Atrovent weighs 12.9gm. Before using your Atrovent inhaler pack for the first time, you should prime it by spraying twice into the air away from your face. You should also prime your inhaler similarly if you have not been using it for three days consecutively. Once the inhaler is ready for performance, it releases 17mcg of ipratropium bromide from its mouthpiece with each spray. However, the actual amount of the medicine that reaches your lungs will depend on your individual health condition. Apart from the active ingredient ipratropium bromide, Atrovent inhaler also contains excipients like dehydrated alcohol, sterile water, anhydrous citric acid, HFA-134a etc. However, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are not used as propellants in this inhaler.

Conditions Treated by the Atrovent Inhaler

Atrovent inhaler is used to treat bronchospasm wherein the airways in your lungs get constricted making it difficult for you to breathe. Your doctor will prescribe Atrovent inhaler if you are suffering from emphysema, bronchitis, COPD or even a running nose. COPD is caused due to polluting particles or gas in our atmosphere, continuous tobacco smoking, occupational hazards wherein workers are exposed continuously to noxious fumes as in mines and factories or even genetic factors and remains as one of the prime causes of death globally. Typical symptoms of COPD include breathlessness, runny nose, persistent cough wheezing, sputum production and tightness in the chest. When you inhale Atrovent while undergoing treatment for COPD, the medicine works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of your bronchioles thereby expanding them and making it easier for air to pass into your lungs.

Atrovent Inhaler Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

Use your Atrovent inhaler exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not use it for a longer period or discontinue its use abruptly without consultation with your doctor. The standard dose of Atrovent inhaler is two inhalations taken four times per day. Schedule your dosage in such a way that there is an ample interval between consecutive doses. Start your daily dose by taking your first inhalation in the morning before breakfast or any other drink except water. Inhale properly and hold your breath for at least three to five seconds. Once you have inhaled, wait for five minutes before lying down.

Missing a dose

If you have missed your usual dose of Atrovent inhaler, do not try to make it up by taking an additional dose. Follow your normal dose or take the skipped dose as soon as your remember it, if it is not too close to your regular dosage time.

Overdosing

Though overdosing with Atrovent inhaler is unlikely to create any serious health complications because of its poor absorption in the body, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately if you feel that you have inadvertnently overdosed. Consult your nearest healthcare center immediately for supportive treatment if you experience any of the following after taking an extra dose of Atrovent:

• Blurred vision
• Nervousness
• Palpitation
• Pain in the stomach
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty in urinating

Atrovent Inhaler Warnings

Since ipratropium bromide is the primary ingredient in Atrovent inhaler, your doctor should know if you are allergic to it, to atropine or to any other belladonna drugs. Apart from this, the inhaler also contains excepients which might cause allergic reactions in your body. Disclose all past and present medical history including your experience with glaucoma, enlarged prostate, history of past surgeries, dental procedures etc. Share with your doctor information about all medicines you are using at the moment, like prescription or non-prescription drugs, herbal preparations, healthy supplements or any alternate medications which might interact adversely with ipratropium bromide or the excepients in Atrovent inhaler. Using Atrovent inhaler may cause burred vision or make you feel dizzy, especially in the initial stages of use. Avoid driving or doing any other activity where you should be alert and have clear vision until you are used to the medicine and confident in yourself. Limit your daily intake of alcohol. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding a baby, consult with your doctor about the benefits of using Atrovent inhaler over its risks, before using the product. never use Atrovent inhaler immediately before or after consuming any dairy products, hot beverages, or juice as these can aggravate side effects. Always use your inhaler while standing up or sitting down and wait for at least five minutes after inhaling from your Atrovent inhaler before lying down.

Atrovent Inhaler Side Effects

Atrovent inhaler can cause allergic reactions in some people. Discontinue using the product and consult your medical caregiver immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Swelling in your face, lips, tongue or in your throat
• Difficulty in breathing
• Hoarse voice
• Palpitation
• Rashes and hives

Other minor side effects include

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Dryness in the mouth
• Cough
• Nausea
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty in urninating
• Pain in the eye accompanied with change in vision

Atrovent Inhaler Drug Interactions

Though the inhaler is often concomitantly used with other bronchodilators and oral steroids which are generally prescribed as a treatment for bronchospasm, ipratropium bromide exhibits undesirable interaction with anticholinergic medications like atropine and with albuterol or salbutamol, which is also used to treat asthma and COPD. Atrovent inhaler may also react adversely with several other ingredients present in other medicines which you might be taking presently. It is therefore in your interest to discuss your general health condition thoroughly with your doctor before starting treatment with Atovent inhaler. Know everything about the product to assuage your doubts and misgivings before starting your treatment.

If you have any questions about buying discount Atrovent Inhaler online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Atrovent Inhaler and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information