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Atrovent HFA Coupon - Atrovent HFA 12.9g of 17mcg inhaler

Atrovent HFA

ipratropium
Used for COPD
Used for COPD

Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) is a short-acting inhaled anticholinergic medication used to help with difficulty breathing in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This medication comes in an inhaler. Typically, you breathe in 2 inhalations, 4 times a day. You should use Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) regularly every day in order it for it to keep your COPD symptoms under control. It's not meant to be used as a rescue inhaler.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 27, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Atrovent HFA (ipratropium)?

What is Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) used for?

How Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) works

Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) is a short-acting inhaled anticholinergic medication. It works by blocking a chemical called acetylcholine from attaching to receptors (signaling proteins) in your lungs. Typically, acetylcholine causes the muscles in your airways to contract (tighten). By blocking acetylcholine, Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) relaxes the muscles in your airways to make it easier to breathe.

Are you looking for information on nebulized ipratropium or ipratropium nasal spray (Atrovent) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAtrovent HFA
Drug ClassSAMA
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$483.30(save 35.14%)
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$313.47
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What are the side effects of Atrovent HFA (ipratropium)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Cough and other symptoms of bronchitis (10-23%)
  • Worsened COPD symptoms (8-23%)
  • Trouble breathing (7-8%)
  • Tiredness, chills, and other flu-like symptoms (4-8%)
  • Headache (6-7%)
  • Back pain (2-7%)

Other Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives, swelling of your face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing
  • Sudden narrowing of your airways: difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, cough

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

cough producing mucus

difficult, burning, or painful urination

difficulty with breathing

frequent urge to urinate

lower back or side pain

shortness of breath

tightness in the chest

wheezing

Less common

Body aches or pain

chills

cough

ear congestion

fever

headache

loss of voice

runny nose

sneezing

sore throat

unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

Constipation (continuing) or lower abdominal pain or bloating

fainting

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

severe eye pain

skin rash or hives

swelling of the face, lips, or eyelids

Incidence not known

Blindness

blurred vision

confusion

decrease in the frequency of urination

decrease in the urine volume

decreased vision

difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

hives or welts

itching

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

nausea or vomiting

noisy breathing

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

redness of the skin

redness of the white part of the eyes or inside of the eyelids

sweating

tearing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Back pain

dryness of the mouth

unpleasant taste

Less common or rare

Acid or sour stomach

belching

burning eyes

diarrhea

general feeling of discomfort or illness

heartburn

indigestion

joint pain

loss of appetite

muscle aches and pains

nervousness

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

shivering

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

trembling

trouble sleeping

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Atrovent HFA (ipratropium)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well as a maintenance treatment for COPD

Small inhaler, so easy to take with you, compared to the nebulized ipratropium

Not many interactions with other medications

thumbs-down

Cons

Need to use 2 puffs (inhalations) every 4 hours

Not a rescue inhaler

It's not completely clear how safe it is for pregnant or breastfeeding females

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Atrovent HFA (ipratropium)

pharmacist

  • Use Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) as prescribed every day at the same times each day to make sure it works best for you.

    • Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) doesn't work fast enough to treat sudden difficulty breathing. Always have your rescue inhaler, like albuterol (Ventolin), handy in case you have sudden trouble breathing.

      • Carefully read the instructions on how to use your Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) inhaler and ask your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.

        • If you're using a new inhaler for the first time or if you haven't used it in more than 3 days, you'll need to prime your inhaler. To prime the inhaler, hold it upright and away from your face and spray 2 times. This makes sure you get the full dose of Atrovent HFA (ipratropium).

          • You don't need to shake Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) before using it.

            • When you're ready to use Atrovent HFA (ipratropium), place your lips firmly around the mouthpiece. Then, take a slow and deep breath while pushing the button on the top of the canister to deliver the medication. Try to hold your breath for up to 10 seconds or for as long as you comfortably can. This allows time for Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) to reach deep into your lungs.

              • If you need to inhale more than one puff of Atrovent HFA (ipratropium), wait at least 15 seconds between inhalations.

                • Clean the mouthpiece of Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) at least once a week. To do so, remove the cap and canister and set them aside. Then rinse the mouthpiece with warm running water for at least 30 seconds. Shake it and let it air dry fully before reassembling your inhaler.

                  • Use the dose counter to track how many doses of Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) you have left so you know when to get a refill. When the display window shows you only have 20 inhalations left with a red-colored background, you should get a refill. When the display window reads "0", throw your inhaler away, even if the canister isn't completely empty.

                    • Call your provider if your breathing worsens. Also contact your provider if you're using your rescue inhaler more often than usual. These could be signs you need a change in your COPD medications.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Atrovent HFA (ipratropium)

                      How do I know if Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) is working for me?
                      You'll know if Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) is working for you based on how often you have difficulty breathing and need your rescue inhaler. The purpose of Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) is to keep your airways open so you're less likely to have shortness of breath. If you're still having difficulty breathing often after using Atrovent HFA (ipratropium), let your provider know. They might need to add or consider switching you to a different medication. Get medical help right away if your symptoms seem to be getting worse or aren't improving while taking this medication.
                      How long do I need to use Atrovent HFA (ipratropium)?
                      There isn't a set amount of time you'll need to use Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) to manage your COPD. Some people need the inhaler for their whole life, while others only need it for just a short amount of time. After you use Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) for a period of time and don't experience any short-term breathing problems, your provider might slowly lower your dose, or switch you to a longer-acting inhaler like Spiriva (tiotropium). Then they can see how well your COPD is managed. It's important you take Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) exactly as prescribed. This will make sure the medication works as best as possible for you.
                      Is Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) a rescue inhaler?
                      No, Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) isn't FDA-approved to be used as a rescue inhaler. This medication takes about 15 minutes to start working, which isn't ideal for someone who needs help breathing right away. Quick-acting inhalers, such as albuterol (Ventolin), are approved as rescue inhalers. If you've been using Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) as directed by your provider and still experiencing breathing problems, let your provider know. They can check your technique to see if you're using the Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) inhaler correctly and getting all of the medications into your lungs. They can also see if they need to make changes to your COPD medications or prescribe you a rescue inhaler.
                      Can Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) be used for asthma?
                      Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) is only FDA-approved for COPD. But guidelines from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute say that Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) can be used alongside rescue inhalers, like albuterol (Ventolin), during a moderate or severe asthma attack. In addition, Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) might possibly be used as a rescue inhalers for people who can't use the standard rescue inhalers. However, Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) hasn't been well-studied in these situations and a lot more research is needed in these areas. Please talk with your provider if you have questions about asthma medications.
                      How does Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) differ from nebulized ipratropium?
                      Both Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) and nebulized ipratropium contain the same active ingredient (ipratropium) and work just as well as each other as a maintenance treatment for COPD. The only major difference is the device that's used to deliver the medication to the lungs. Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) is an HFA inhaler that works by using a propellant to push the aerosolized medication out of the inhaler and into your lungs. As you push down on the canister for a dose, you'll need to take a slow, long, deep breath to allow the medication to reach your lungs. Nebulized ipratropium requires a nebulizer, which is a machine that turns a medication solution into a mist that you breathe in continuously for about 5 to 15 minutes. Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) delivers the medication more quickly, and the inhaler can be easily taken with you anywhere, whereas nebulizer machines are bulky and require to be plugged in. Ask your provider if you've more questions about the difference between the ipratropium inhaler and nebulizer.
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                      What are the risks and warnings for Atrovent HFA (ipratropium)?

                      Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      Severe allergic reactions

                      Severe allergic reactions to Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Get medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using Atrovent HFA (ipratropium).

                      risk-warning

                      Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)

                      Though extremely rare, Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) can sometimes cause a muscle spasm in your lungs (bronchospasm). This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. If you become short of breath after using Atrovent HFA (ipratropium), get medical attention right away.

                      risk-warning

                      Risk of eye and vision problems

                      • Risk factors: History of glaucoma | Long-term use of Atrovent HFA (ipratropium)

                        Though not common, using Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) can raise the pressure in the eyes. Sometimes, this can cause or worsen glaucoma. Talk to your eye provider before using Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) if you have glaucoma or other eye problems. Also speak with them if you notice any changes to your vision while using the medication. Never spray Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) in your eyes because this could cause eye pain, discomfort, blurry vision, and other vision changes.

                        risk-warning

                        Trouble urinating

                        • Risk factors: Enlarged prostate | Bladder-neck obstruction (blockage)

                          Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) should be used cautiously in people who have prostate problems, because it can worsen this condition and lead to difficulty urinating. Contact your provider if you notice difficulty urinating while using this medication.

                          dosage

                          Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) dosage forms

                          The average cost for 1 inhaler of 12.9g of 17mcg of Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) is $313.47 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 35.14% off the average retail price of $483.30.
                          inhaler
                          Inhaler
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          12.9g of 17mcg1 inhaler$313.47$313.47

                          Typical dosing for Atrovent HFA (ipratropium)

                          Each inhalation of Atrovent contains 17 mcg of ipratropium bromide.

                          The typical starting dose is 2 inhalations by mouth 4 times daily. Your provider might prescribe you additional inhalations. The maximum dose is 12 inhalations in a 24-hour period.

                          interactions

                          Interactions between Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) and other drugs

                          Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Atrovent HFA (ipratropium). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          • Betel Nut
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                          How much does Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) cost?

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                          contraindications-icon

                          Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) contraindications

                          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) will not be safe for you to take.
                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Atrovent HFA (ipratropium)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Atrovent HFA (ipratropium). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Atrovent HFA (ipratropium)
                          Used for:
                          $313.47 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Spiriva (tiotropium)
                          Used for:

                          • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

                          • Asthma in people age 6 years and older - Spiriva Respimat only

                          $126.32 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          American Thoracic Society. (2020). Nebulizer breathing treatments at home.

                          ATROVENT HFA. (n.d.). How to use your new inhaler.

                          Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2021). ATROVENT HFA- ipratropium bromide aerosol, metered [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          View All References (4)

                          Mann, K. V., et al. (1988). Use of ipratropium bromide in obstructive lung disease. Clinical Pharmacy.

                          National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2007). Expert panel report 3: Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma.

                          Sam, C., et al. (2022). Physiology, acetylcholine. StatPearls.

                          Tashkin, D. P., et al. (2007). Comparing COPD treatment: Nebulizer, metered dose inhaler, and concomitant therapy. The American Journal of Medicine.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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