Ipratropium Bromide

Ipratropium Bromide belongs to a class of medications called ‘anticholinergics’ used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma is a condition in which airways narrow and swollen, resulting in difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing (whistling sound). COPD is a chronic (long-term) condition occurring due to a group of lung diseases such as emphysema (a condition in which air sacs of lungs are damaged) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of tubes (bronchi) that carry air to and from in lungs).

Ipratropium Bromide contains ‘Ipratropium bromide’ which is an anticholinergic. It is used to treat symptoms associated with chronic lung conditions and reduce the risk of frequent asthma attacks. It acts as a bronchodilator and works by dilating the muscles in the airway. It also reduces mucus (phlegm) production. This effect helps to improve lung function and reduce breathing difficulty. It is a short-acting drug.

Ipratropium Bromide is available only for inhalation. Use this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. The common side-effects of Ipratropium Bromide are headache, dizziness, epistaxis (nosebleed), nausea, nasal dryness, nasal irritation, stomach upset, and cough, and throat irritation after inhalation. Most of these side-effects resolve themselves without requiring medical attention. However, if the side-effects persist or worsen, seek medical help immediately.

Do not take Ipratropium Bromide if you are allergic to ‘ipratropium bromide’ or any other ingredients present in it. Before taking Ipratropium Bromide, inform your doctor if you have a history of glaucoma (an eye condition), urinary retention and an enlarged prostate gland. Inform your doctor if you are using any prescription, non-prescription or nutritional supplements, Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Ipratropium Bromide contains ‘ipratropium bromide’ which is an ‘anticholinergic’ drug. It is a widely used bronchodilator. It can effectively reduce symptoms of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) and other lung conditions. It can also decrease the risk of recurrent asthma episodes. It helps to improve lung function. It relaxes the muscles along the airway passage easing the breathing difficulty. It reduces phlegm production improving cough symptoms. Besides, it has a quick onset of action.

Respules: Respule is a small plastic container that contains a solution. Twist off the top of the respule and squeeze the solution into the nebuliser. This solution is made into a fine mist to breathe in. Inhale the medicine through the nebuliser's mouthpiece. Rotacaps: Rotacap is a capsule with powdered medication which is placed in Rotahaler. It is for inhalation only. Do not swallow the capsule. Rotahaler is a plastic inhalation device that releases the medication when you breathe. The capsule should be placed at the base of the rotahaler/transhaler and completely twist the mouthpiece until you hear a click sound. Then, breathe in through the mouthpiece deeply and hold your breath for 10 seconds. Remove the device and breathe out normally. Inhaler: First, remove the dust cap from the mouthpiece and shake the inhaler vigorously. Hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece facing downwards. Breathe out gently before using the inhaler and immediately place the mouthpiece in the mouth by closing your lips around it. Start breathing in deeply and press the inhaler so that medicine gets to release and continue to breathe in. Hold your breath for 10 seconds or until you are comfortable and breathe out slowly. Before using, to ensure that the inhaler is working, test fire it into the air when using the first time or it has not been used for more than one week. Clean your inhaler regularly. Once a vial is opened, discard any unused solution. Nebulizer: Fill the medicine cup with the prescribed dose of medicine and attach the hose and mouthpiece to the medicine cup. Place the mouthpiece near your mouth and breathe until all the medicine is used. Throw away any unused solution once the vial is opened.

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

• Breathlessness
• Headache, dizziness
• Nausea, stomach upset 
• Epistaxis (nosebleed), nasal dryness, nasal irritation and cough
• Throat irritation after inhalation