IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE

Drug Name: IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE

IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE DESCRIPTION:
IPRATROPIUM - INHALATION SOLUTION (ip-ruh-TROW-pee-um)

COMMON IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE BRAND NAME(S):
Atrovent

IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE SIDE EFFECTS:
IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE may cause dizziness, headache, nausea, dry mouth, cough, hoarseness, or blurred vision. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience any of these serious effects while taking IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE: rash, itching, irregular heartbeat, chest pains, rapid heartbeat. If IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE comes in contact with the eye, temporary blurring of your vision may occur. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE:
IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE: IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE is inhaled into the lungs using special breathing (nebulizer) equipment usually 3 to 4 times a day (6 to 8 hours apart). A health care professional will demonstrate the proper way to measure the medication and use the equipment. Make sure you understand how to operate the machine and ask any questions you may have. Be sure to read and understand the patient instructions that come with the medication. Use this medication as directed. Do not increase your dose or take this more frequently than directed. Excessive use may lead to a loss of effectiveness while increasing the chance for side effects. Do not stop using IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE without first consulting your doctor.

IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE USES:
IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE is inhaled into the lungs where it opens breathing passages. It is used to treat breathing disorders such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE PRECAUTIONS:
Before using IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma, prostate trouble, any allergies (especially to atropine/other belladonna derivatives). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known if the ipratropium is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription or prescription medication you may take particularly: antispasmodics (e.g., atropine, clidinium, propantheline), antihistamines (often found in cough/cold preparations), medication for Parkinson's disease. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE NOTES:
It may be preferable to use the nebulizer with a mouthpiece rather than a face mask to reduce the chance of the solution coming into contact with the eyes and causing blurred vision.

MISSED IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE DOSE:
If used on a regular schedule, use as soon as remembered. Use remaining doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals.

IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE STORAGE:
IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE should be stored at room temperature away from light. Avoid freezing.