Ipratropium for COPD

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One of the medications approved to treat COPD is ipratropium bromide inhalation solution (Atrovent^® inhalation solution). This prescription drug belongs to a class of medications known as anticholinergics or antimuscarinics and is inhaled using a special device called a nebulizer. It works by binding to certain receptors in the airways to relax the muscles and allow more air into and out of the lungs.