What Is Atrovent

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Atrovent and Atrovent HFA are brand names for the prescription drug ipratropium.

The nasal form of Atrovent is used to control a runny nose caused by seasonal allergies or the common cold.
Orally inhaled Atrovent metered-dose inhaler (MDI) helps manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and asthma.
Atrovent belongs to a group of drugs known anticholinergics, which work by helping to expand the airways leading from the windpipe into the lungs by blocking receptors that normally cause these pipes to constrict or tighten.
Manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Atrovent in 1986.

Atrovent Warnings

You shouldn't take Atrovent if you are allergic to ipratropium or any of the drug's inactive ingredients.
Before taking Atrovent, you should tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had:
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Blockage in your bladder
  • Angle-closure glaucoma

Atrovent Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Atrovent

You should tell your doctor if any of the following side effects are severe or don't go away:
  • Dry mouth, trouble breathing, or bronchitis
  • Sinus infection or flu-like symptoms
  • Nausea or dizziness
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Back pain
  • Digestive problems, including heartburn or stomach discomfort

Serious Side Effects of Atrovent

You should stop using this medicine and call your doctor if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
  • Serious and/or potentially life-threatening allergic reactions
  • Tightening of the airways leading from the windpipe to the lungs
  • Glaucoma

Atrovent Interactions

You should tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking.
Atrovent nasal spray doesn't really have any major drug interactions, but the inhaled form is more likely to interact with other drugs.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the inhaled form of Atrovent if you are taking:
  • Any opiates, such as Alfenta (alfentanil); codeine; Actiq, Duragesic, Abstral, Fentora, Lazanda, Sublimaze, or Subsys (fentanyl); Oxycontin, Roxicodone, and Oxaydo (oxycodone); or Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
  • Drugs for bladder control, like Detrol (tolteridine); Sanctura or Sanctura XR (trospium); or Detrol LA, Oxytrol, Oxytrol for Women, or Gelnique (oxybutynin)
  • Transderm Scop (scopolamine)
  • Amantadine
  • Dolophine or Methadose (methadone)
  • Iosat, ThyroSafe, or ThyroShield (potassium iodide)
  • K-Tab or Klor-Con (potassium chloride)
  • Urocit-K (potassium citrate)

Atrovent Dosage

Your doctor will determine what dose, and how often you should use, Atrovent.
Each spray of the Atrovent HFA metered-dose inhaler (MDI) delivers 17 micrograms (mcg) of the active ingredient.
For COPD: Your doctor may tell you to take two puffs, four times a day. Never take more than 12 puffs a day.
For asthma: You may use Atrovent HFA when having a flare-up. You can inhale up to 8 puffs of Atrovent HFA's contents every 20 minutes as needed for up to 3 hours.
For allergies or a head cold: Your doctor may tell you to use two sprays in each nostril two to three times a day.

Atrovent Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
You can get in touch with a poison control center at 800-222-1222.

Missed Dose of Atrovent

If you miss a dose of Atrovent, try to take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule.
Don't take extra doses to make up for a missed one.