Atrovent is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that comes in the form of an inhaler. Atrovent is used for treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. The generic name for Atrovent is ipratropium bromide. Taking Atrovent regularly opens up the airway and makes breathing easier.

How does Atrovent work?

The main ingredient in Atrovent, ipratropium bromide, is a bronchodilator that works by opening the airways. Ipratropium works by blocking receptors found on the muscle surrounding the airways. This allows the muscles surrounding the airways to relax and open.

Atrovent is a solution aerosol that does not require shaking. Before taking Atrovent, patients should “prime” the inhaler by releasing 2 test sprays in the air away from the face. Make sure not to spray yourself in the eyes. Always consult the directions on your inhaler as well as your doctor for the proper use of Atrovent.

Follow these directions to properly take Atrovent:

• Remove the green protective dust cap and make sure there is nothing on the mouthpiece before use.
• Exhale through your mouth and hold the inhaler upright between your thumb and first 2 fingers, closing your lips around the mouthpiece.
• Slowly breathe in through your mouth and at the same time spray the Atrovent into your mouth. Press the canister against the mouthpiece one time. Keep breathing in deeply.
• After releasing the canister, hold your breath for 10 seconds.
• Wait another 15 seconds before taking your second puff.

• Be careful to keep your eyes closed while taking this inhaler so as not to get the medication in your eyes. Atrovent in the eyes can cause blurry vision and other vision abnormalities.
• For optimal results, keep your Atrovent inhaler at room temperature. Do not expose the medication to extreme temperatures.
• The contents of the Atrovent canister are under pressure, so do not puncture the inhaler. Do not throw the inhaler into a fire or incinerator because the canister may burst.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• If you find it difficult to use the inhaler, an Aerochamber spacer device can be used to make administration easier. Ask your doctor about spacers.
• This inhaler does not immediately open your airways and it is important to keep an emergency inhaler with you at all times if you need quick relief.
• If your Atrovent inhaler or quick-relief inhaler is not working as well as it used to, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

Some common side effects of Atrovent can include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Cough
• Throat irritation

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following:

• Blurred vision
• Dilated pupils
• Red eyes
• Raised pressure in the eye or glaucoma
• Difficulty passing urine
• Allergic reaction, like swelling of the face, lips, and tongue

Can I use other medicines with Atrovent?

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are taking, especially if you are taking other bronchodilators. Other antimuscarinic medicines may interact if they are taken along with Atrovent.

Some of those medications can include:

• Aclidinium, glycopyrronium, and tiotropium for COPD and asthma
• Antihistamines that cause drowsiness
• Antimuscarinic medicines for Parkinson’s symptoms
• Antimuscarinic medicines for urinary incontinence