Atrovent

Atrovent comes in a variety of forms and is commonly prescribed to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or a runny nose. When treating COPD, Atrovent binds to certain receptors in the airway to relax the muscle and allow more air into and out of the lungs. Atrovent can help relieve a runny nose by decreasing the fluid production in the nasal passages. The medication is available as an inhaler, an inhalation solution, and as a nasal spray.

 

What Is Atrovent?

Atrovent® (ipratropium bromide) is a prescription medication used to treat a variety of conditions. It comes in the following forms:
 

Who Makes Atrovent?

All of the Atrovent products are made by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, although brand-name Atrovent inhalation solution is no longer manufactured (it is still available in generic form). There are several manufacturers of generic Atrovent products.
 

How Does Atrovent Work?

Atrovent belongs to a group of medications known as anticholinergics or antimuscarinics. When used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Atrovent works by binding to specific receptors (called muscarinic receptors) in the airway, helping to relax the smooth muscle of the airway. When used to treat a runny nose, Atrovent works by decreasing the production of fluid in the glands that line the nasal passages.
 

When and How to Take Atrovent

Some general considerations for when and how to take Atrovent include the following:
 
  • Atrovent is usually taken two to four times daily, depending on the particular form of Atrovent and the particular medical condition being treated.
     
  • It does not matter if you take Atrovent with or without food.
     
  • Try to space out your Atrovent dosages evenly throughout the day.
     
  • For Atrovent to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Atrovent will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Atrovent Dosing

The dose of Atrovent that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The particular Atrovent product
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Your age
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your Atrovent dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(For more information on Atrovent dosing, see:
 

Side Effects of Atrovent

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Atrovent. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Atrovent include, but are not limited to:
 
(For more information, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider, see:
 

Drug Interactions With Atrovent

Atrovent can potentially interact with several other medicines (see Atrovent Drug Interactions).
 

Atrovent: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Atrovent if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Atrovent Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Atrovent.)
 

Overdose With Atrovent

People who take too much Atrovent may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Shakiness or nervousness
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
  • Blurred vision
  • Headaches
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth or eyes
  • Difficulty urinating.
     
If you happen to overdose on Atrovent, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Atrovent Overdose for more information.)
 

Atrovent: Storage Methods

Store Atrovent at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep Atrovent and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Atrovent: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Atrovent as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Atrovent.
 

Atrovent Strengths

Atrovent is available in the following strengths and forms:
 
  • Atrovent HFA inhalers, containing 200 sprays (with 17 mcg of Atrovent per spray)
  • Atrovent 0.02% inhalation solution for use in a nebulizer (2.5 mL single-use vials that contain 500 mcg of Atrovent per vial)
  • Atrovent nasal spray 0.03%, which contains 345 sprays, with 21 mcg of Atrovent per spray
  • Atrovent nasal spray 0.06%, which contains 165 sprays, with 42 mcg of Atrovent per spray.
     

Atrovent Generic

Currently, generic Atrovent inhalation solution and nasal spray are available (see Generic Atrovent Inhalation Solution and Generic Atrovent Nasal Spray). However, there are no generic versions of Atrovent HFA inhalers licensed for sale (see Generic Atrovent HFA).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;