Ipratropium

  • Brand Name : Atrovent HFA
  • Drug Class : Anticholinergics, Respiratory
  • Medical Author : John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
  • Medical Reviewer :
  • _eael_post_view_count : 10

What Is Ipratropium and How Does It Work?

Ipratropium is used to treat a runny nose caused by the common cold or seasonal allergies. It works by reducing the amount of fluid/mucus released from inside your nose.

Ipratropium does not relieve symptoms of stuffy nose or sneezing.

Ipratropium is available under the following different brand names: Atrovent, and Atrovent HFA.

Dosages of Ipratropium

Metered-dose inhaler

  • 17 mcg/actuation

Nasal spray (adult only)

  • 0.03%

Nebulized solution

  • 0.02%

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

  • Maintenance treatment of bronchospasm, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema
  • Inhaler: 2 actuations every 6 hours, then additional actuations as needed; not to exceed 12 actuations/day
  • Nebulizer: 2.5 mL (500 mcg) every 6-8 hours

Perennial Allergic/Nonallergic Rhinitis

  • Symptomatic relief of rhinorrhea
  • Adult: Nasal spray: 2 sprays per nostril 8-12 hours
  • Children under 6 years (nasal spray): Use not recommended
  • Children over 6 years (nasal spray): 2 sprays per nostril 8-12 hours

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

  • Adult: Nasal spray: 2 sprays per nostril every 6 hours
  • Children under 5 years (nasal spray): Use not recommended
  • Children over 5 years (nasal spray): 2 sprays per nostril every 6 hours

Acute Asthma Exacerbation (Off-label)

  • Adult, Inhaler: 8 actuations every 20 minutes as needed for 3 doses
  • Adult, Nebulizer: 500 mcg every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then as needed
  • NIH asthma guidelines, Pediatric
    • Children under 12 years (inhaler): 4-8 actuations every 20 minutes as needed for 3 doses
    • Children 12 years and older (inhaler): 8 actuations every 20 minutes as needed for 3 doses
    • Children under 12 years (nebulizer): 250-500 mcg every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then as needed
    • Children 12 years and older (nebulizer): 500 mcg every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then as needed

Administration

  • Prime before initial use by releasing 2 test sprays into air; repeat priming if unused for 3 days or more

Dosing Considerations

  • In treatment of acute asthma exacerbation with inhaler, short-acting beta agonist (SABA) must be coadministered
  • In treatment of allergic rhinitis, do not use for more than 3 weeks

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