ATROVENT INHALER (IPRATROPIUM)

Description of Atrovent Inhaler

Atrovent Inhaler or generic Ipratropium is classed as an antimuscarinic bronchodilator and is prescribed to treat those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD. This is a collective name for chronic bronchitis and emphysema, both incurable breathing conditions that can occur in adults that smoke. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Atrovent Inhaler Works to Help You Breathe

Atrovent Inhaler is an antimuscarinic bronchodilator that blocks muscarinic receptors in your lungs which stops the action of acetylcholine. This is a chemical known as a neurotransmitter that causes your airway muscles to contract which constricts your airways. This action stops that process and allows relaxed airways and airway muscles so you can breathe easier. Atrovent Inhaler is designed to work quickly to relieve the symptoms of asthma and COPD as well as prevent their occurrence.

More Information About COPD and Asthma

Chronic bronchitis is defined as a productive cough and increased secretions that lasts for at least three months consecutively for two years in a row. This respiratory illness is smoking related, causing your lungs’ air passages to narrow over time and restrict breathing.

Emphysema is also a smoking related disease in as many as 90% of all diagnosed cases. This chronic respiratory disease causes a decline in lung function as the air sacs in your lungs become over-inflated causing breathlessness as they cannot expand and contract easily. Atrovent Inhaler is not a cure for COPD, but it can provide relief so you are able to function better and carry out your daily activities.

Asthma is more commonly diagnosed in people with allergies, but those with allergies are not more likely to have asthma. During a flare-up or asthma attack, inflammatory-causing chemicals are released and the chemical called acetylcholine sends a message to the cholinergic nerves that act by narrowing the muscles surrounding your airways. This causes the wheezing and shortness of breath.

Before You Use Atrovent Inhaler

Tell your doctor if you have bladder, prostate, or urination problems, or have narrow-angled glaucoma as Atrovent Inhaler may not be advised for your situation. Provide a list of any over the counter medications and Rx medicine you are taking, including herbal, dietary, and vitamin supplements, so your doctor can decide if Atrovent Inhaler is safe for you to use. Combining some drugs can cause unforeseen side effects or change how Ipratropium will work in your body.

Atrovent Inhaler Precautions

Ask your doctor if Ipratropium is safe to use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or are breast feeding. Keep all medicine out of children’s reach and do not share any medications with anyone else. If you find that you are having to use Atrovent Inhaler more often for relief, revisit your doctor as a dose adjustment may be required.

Possible Side Effects of Atrovent Inhaler

• Headache
• Throat irritation
• Dry mouth
• cough