Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Atrovent HFA

Generic Name: ipratropium inhalation (Pronunciation: IP ra TRO pee um)

• What is ipratropium inhalation (Atrovent HFA)?
• What are the possible side effects of ipratropium inhalation (Atrovent HFA)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ipratropium inhalation (Atrovent HFA)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ipratropium inhalation (Atrovent HFA)?
• How should I use ipratropium inhalation (Atrovent HFA)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Atrovent HFA)?
• What happens if I overdose (Atrovent HFA)?
• What should I avoid while using ipratropium inhalation (Atrovent HFA)?
• What other drugs will affect ipratropium inhalation (Atrovent HFA)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ipratropium inhalation (Atrovent HFA)?

Ipratropium inhalation is used to prevent bronchospasm, or narrowing airways in the lungs, in people with bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

Ipratropium inhalation may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of ipratropium inhalation (Atrovent HFA)?

Stop using ipratropium inhalation and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a fast, pounding heartbeat.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• headache, dizziness;
• dry mouth, cough, hoarseness;
• nausea, upset stomach; or
• blurred vision.

If you switch from Atrovent to Atrovent HFA, you may notice a slightly different taste or feel after inhaling the medication.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ipratropium inhalation (Atrovent HFA)?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate or bladder obstruction. If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use ipratropium inhalation.

Ipratropium inhalation is used to prevent bronchospasm attacks. This medication will not treat bronchospasm while it is happening. You may still have difficulty breathing and may need to use one of your other medicines to treat the attack. To best control your condition, use ipratropium inhalation regularly, and continue using all your other medicines as directed by your doctor.

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Call your doctor right away if you feel that this medicine is not working as well as usual, or if it makes your condition worse. If it seems like you need to use more of any of your medications in a 24-hour period, talk with your doctor.

Extreme heat can cause the ipratropium inhalation canister to burst. Do not store your inhaler in your car on hot days. Do not throw an empty canister into open flame.

Keep track of the number of sprays you have used and throw away the inhaler canister after 200 sprays, even if it feels like there is still medicine in it.