Ipratropium bromide brands and prices in Pakistan

About Ipratropium bromide

Ipratropium bromide is a bronchodilator from the anticholinergic group. It relaxes and opens the airways to make breathing easier. It comes as a liquid that is breathed in as a mist through a nebuliser machine, and as an aerosol inhaler. It is a prescription medicine. It controls symptoms but works more slowly than a reliever such as salbutamol, so it is mainly used to keep symptoms under control rather than for sudden attacks.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not use it if you are allergic to ipratropium bromide, to atropine or similar medicines, or to any of the ingredients.
• Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or have been told you may get it.
• Tell your doctor if you have prostate problems or difficulty passing urine.
• Tell your doctor if you have cystic fibrosis, heart disease, or a blockage in the gut.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: talk to your doctor before using it if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding.
• Children: one UK nebuliser leaflet says it is not recommended for children under 12, and that anyone under 18 should only use it under specialist supervision, with an adult watching.
• Tell any surgeon or dentist that you use this medicine.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Other anticholinergic medicines, such as tiotropium (for COPD), atropine, mebeverine (for irritable bowel), oxybutynin or solifenacin (for bladder problems), or dextromethorphan (for cough)
• Beta-agonist reliever medicines such as salbutamol. These are often used together, but your doctor should know.
• Theophylline or aminophylline (breathing medicines)
• Do not mix it in the same nebuliser with sodium cromoglicate solutions that contain benzalkonium chloride.
• Ask your doctor before mixing any other medicine with it in the nebuliser, and ask whether other inhaled medicines should be used at a set time before or after it.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbal products you use.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Use it exactly as your doctor or care team has told you. Do not change how much or how often you use it on your own.
• Keep it out of your eyes. Use the nebuliser with a mouthpiece or a well-fitting mask, and keep your eyes closed when using the inhaler. This is very important if you have, or are at risk of, glaucoma.
• Do not dilute or mix the nebuliser liquid unless your doctor tells you to.
• Each nebuliser vial is for single use. Open a new one just before use, throw away any liquid left over, and do not use it if the vial is already open or the liquid is cloudy.
• Clean your nebuliser or inhaler as the maker's instructions say.
• Before using the inhaler for the first time, get a doctor, pharmacist or nurse to show you how. Keep track of how many puffs you have used and replace it when it reaches the number on the label.
• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless the next one is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• Contact your doctor if you need it more often than prescribed, or if your breathlessness does not get better or gets worse.
• Do not drive or use machines if you feel dizzy, cannot focus your eyes, or have blurred vision.
• Do not stop using it without talking to your doctor.
• Store it as the pack says: not too warm, away from moisture, nebuliser vials kept in their box away from light, and out of the reach of children. Keep the inhaler away from heat and flames, and do not puncture or burn the canister. Ask your pharmacist how to get rid of unused medicine.

Common questions

Can I use ipratropium during a sudden asthma or COPD attack?
It is not meant as a rescue medicine. Use the fast-acting reliever your doctor has given you. If your breathing does not improve or gets worse, get emergency help.

Can ipratropium be used with salbutamol?
Yes. They are often used together, and some nebuliser leaflets say salbutamol solution can be put in the same nebuliser chamber. Only mix medicines in the nebuliser if your doctor has told you to.

Why do I need to keep it out of my eyes?
If the mist or liquid gets in your eyes, it can cause eye pain, redness, blurred vision and widened pupils. It can also trigger or worsen a type of glaucoma that can harm sight. Tell your doctor if you notice any eye problems.

Do I need to change what I eat?
No. MedlinePlus says to carry on with your normal diet unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.