Ipratropium nasal spray is a prescription nasal spray used to treat runny nose from allergies and from the common cold. Depending on the strength, it can be used in people ages 5 or 6 years and older. It's only available as a generic medication since the brand name, Atrovent, has been discontinued. Dosing for ipratropium nasal spray typically ranges from 2 sprays in each nostril, 2 to 4 times daily. Although most people experience few to no side effects while using ipratropium nasal spray, some people might have headache or nosebleeds during treatment.
Runny nose due to year-round allergies, seasonal allergies, and the common cold
Ipratropium nasal spray is a short-acting anticholinergic medication. It works by blocking a chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine causes glands in the nose to make more mucus. By blocking acetylcholine, ipratropium nasal spray lowers the amount of mucus produced in the nose and relieves runny nose.
Source: DailyMed
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:
For the 0.03% nasal spray
More common
Body aches or pain
chills
difficulty with breathing
ear congestion
headache
loss of voice
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
Blurred vision
burning, dry, or itching eyes
discharge or excessive tearing
itching, redness, tearing, or other sign of eye irritation not present before use of this medicine or becoming worse during use
nasal dryness
nosebleeds
redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
Incidence not known
Difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
hives or welts
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
redness of the skin
skin rash
tightness in the chest
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:
For the 0.03% nasal spray
Less common or rare
Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
change in taste
dry mouth or throat
increased nasal congestion or runny nose
nasal itching, burning, or irritation
For the 0.06% nasal spray
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.
Starts to work in as quickly as 15 minutes
Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Safe to use for children 5 or 6 years of age and older
Not sure if safe or works well in people with kidney or liver conditions
Needs to be used multiple times a day
Might worsen certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma or prostate problems
Ipratropium nasal spray should only be sprayed into the nose for it to work properly. Don't take this medication by mouth, and never spray it in your eyes or ears to avoid side effects.
If you accidentally sprayed this medication into your eyes, immediately flush your eyes with cool water for several minutes. Talk to your provider immediately if you experience blurry vision, visual halos, eye redness, sensitivity to light, or sudden eye pain.
Make sure to read the instructions for use before using ipratropium nasal spray. Doing so can help you use this medication safely.
The first time you use ipratropium nasal spray, prime the nasal spray by releasing 7 sprays into the air or until you see a fine mist. This helps to make sure you get the full dose of medication in each spray afterwards. If you haven't used ipratropium nasal spray for more than 24 hours, release 2 sprays into the air before using this medication. If you haven't used ipratropium nasal spray for more than a week, re-prime the nasal spray by releasing 7 sprays into the air.
Before using ipratropium nasal spray, gently blow your nose to clear it of mucus.
If ipratropium nasal spray becomes clogged, gently rinse the tip of the applicator under warm water for a minute. Dry the applicator tip, then re-prime the device by releasing 2 sprays into the air. Repeat these steps each time you need to clean it.
Don't drive a car or operate machinery after using ipratropium nasal spray as this medication can make you dizzy or cause blurry vision.
Let your provider know if you experience excessive dry nose or nosebleeds. To stop bloody nose, sit down, stay upright, and lean forward slightly. Pinch the bridge of your nose for 5 minutes to 10 minutes to help the blood start to clot.
Ipratropium nasal spray 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 factor: History of allergy to products containing atropine, ipratropium, or similar medications
Although rare, ipratropium nasal spray can cause severe and sometimes deadly allergic reactions. If you experience symptoms such as a rash, itchy skin, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face or throat while using ipratropium nasal spray, stop this medication and get medical attention right away.
Risk factors: Getting ipratropium nasal spray into the eyes | Enlarging the opening of the spray bottle
Don't get ipratropium nasal spray in your eyes. Also, don't use more ipratropium nasal spray than recommended or enlarge the opening of the spray bottle. If you do, you might experience side effects like temporary blurry vision, eye pain, or any vision changes. Get medical attention right away if you have blurry vision, see halos, or have eye redness or eye pain. Also tell your provider if you have nosebleeds or experience nasal dryness after using ipratropium nasal spray; they might recommend for you to use a different medication.
Risk factors: Glaucoma | Trouble urinating | Constipation | Certain heart problems | Dementia
Anticholinergic medications, like ipratropium nasal spray, can cause side effects in multiple parts of the body. And if you have certain medical conditions, such as enlarged prostate, trouble urinating, or glaucoma, these medications might worsen those conditions as well. Make sure your provider knows about all of your medical conditions before you start ipratropium nasal spray so they can check to see if this medication is safe for you.
Ipratropium 0.06% nasal spray
Each spray contains 42 mcg of ipratropium.
Runny nose from the common cold
Children ages 5 to 11 years old: The typical dose is 2 sprays in each nostril 3 times a day. Don't use for more than 4 days, unless directed by your provider.
Adults and children ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is 2 sprays in each nostril 3 to 4 times a day. Don't use for more than 4 days, unless directed by your provider.
Runny nose from seasonal allergies
Adults and children ages 5 years and older: The typical dose is 2 sprays in each nostril 4 times a day. Don't use for more than 3 weeks, unless directed by your provider.
Ipratropium 0.03% nasal spray
Each spray contains 21 mcg of ipratropium.
Runny nose from year-round and seasonal allergies
Adults and children ages 6 years and older: The typical dose is 2 sprays in each nostril 2 to 3 times daily.
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.
History of allergy to atropine and similar medications
Runny nose due to year-round allergies, seasonal allergies, and the common cold
Congestion
Runny nose
Sneezing
Itchy nose
Itchy, watery eyes
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McLendon, K., et al. (2023). Atropine. StatPearls.
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Schmitt, B. (2023). Colds (0-12 months). American Academy of Pediatrics.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Determination that atrovent (ipratropium bromide) metered spray, 0.021 micrograms/spray and 0.042 micrograms/spray, were not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness.
Wise, S.K. et al. (2018). International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis. International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology.
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