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Ipratropium Coupon - Ipratropium 15ml of 0.06% nasal spray

ipratropium

Generic Atrovent
Used for Allergic Rhinitis, COPD
Used for Allergic Rhinitis, COPD

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 24, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Ipratropium nasal spray?

What is Ipratropium nasal spray used for?

  • Runny nose due to year-round allergies, seasonal allergies, and the common cold

How Ipratropium nasal spray works

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.

Are you looking for information on Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) or nebulized ipratropium for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) instead?
When does Ipratropium nasal spray start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAtrovent (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassAnticholinergic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Ipratropium nasal spray?

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

Ipratropium 0.06% nasal sprayIpratropium 0.03% nasal spray
  • Headache (10%)
  • Cough, runny nose, and other symptoms of respiratory infections (10%)
  • Nosebleed (9%)
  • Sore throat (8%)
  • Dry nose (5%)

Other Side Effects

Ipratropium 0.06% nasal spray
  • Dry mouth and throat
  • Nasal congestion
Ipratropium 0.03% nasal spray
  • Itchy nose or nasal irritation
  • Burning sensation in the nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Nausea

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reactions: rash or hives, swelling of your face or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
When do Ipratropium nasal spray possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Risk of nosebleeds
Nasal irritation or dryness
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

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:

For the 0.03% nasal spray

More common

Body aches or pain

chills

cough

difficulty with breathing

ear congestion

fever

headache

loss of voice

nasal congestion

runny nose

sneezing

sore throat

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

Rare

Pain or cramping in the abdomen or stomach

painful or difficult urination

Incidence not known

Difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

hives or welts

itching

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

For the 0.06% nasal spray used for 4 days

Less common

Nasal dryness

nosebleeds

Rare

Blurred vision

dizziness

eye redness or pain

fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

pain or cramping in the abdomen or stomach

painful or difficult urination

ringing or buzzing in the ears

sore throat

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

nausea

For the 0.06% nasal spray

Less common or rare

Dry mouth or throat

increased nasal congestion

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 Ipratropium nasal spray

thumbs-up

Pros

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

thumbs-down

Cons

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Ipratropium nasal spray

pharmacist

  • 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.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Ipratropium nasal spray

                  Is ipratropium nasal spray a steroid?
                  No, ipratropium nasal spray isn't a steroid; it's an anticholinergic medication. Ipratropium nasal spray helps get rid of runny nose by drying up the glands in your nose to stop them from making more mucus. Steroid nasal sprays ease allergy symptoms by lowering the swelling in your nasal passages. In general, ipratropium nasal spray works more quickly than steroid nasal sprays. Study show that ipratropium nasal spray can start to work within 15 minutes, whereas you'll need to use steroid nasal sprays regularly for a couple of weeks before you notice any benefits. In addition, ipratropium nasal spray is available by prescription only, but certain steroid nasal sprays can be found over the counter. Talk with your provider if you're not sure which medication might work best for you.
                  How long can you use ipratropium nasal spray?
                  Ask your provider how long you should use ipratropium nasal spray because the length of treatment can differ depending on which strength of ipratropium nasal spray you're using and what condition you're taking it to treat. For example, if you're using ipratropium 0.03% nasal spray for seasonal allergy, you might be able to use this medication year-round if your provider says it's safe to do so. But if you're prescribed the ipratropium 0.06% nasal spray for the common cold, your provider might only recommend that you use this medication short-term for a few days.
                  How to use ipratropium nasal spray?
                  To start using ipratropium nasal spray, wash and dry your hands, then take off the cap and safety clip. Make sure to prime the nasal spray the first time you use it or if you haven't used it for more than a week. Close one of your nostrils while inserting the tip of the applicator into the other nostril. Point the tip towards the back and outer side of the nose. Tilt your head slightly forward and press down on the white shoulders of the pump to spray the medication into your nostril. Sniff deeply to get all the medication. After spraying the medication, take the applicator out of your nose and tilt your head backward for a couple seconds. This allows the medication to cover the back of your nose. Repeat these steps for the other nostril or for additional sprays in the same nostril as directed by your provider.
                  Is ipratropium nasal spray safe for infants?
                  Ipratropium nasal spray is only FDA-approved for children ages 5 or 6 years and older (depending on the strength of the medication). For runny nose in children under 1 year old, consider using a suction bulb to gently suction out the mucus. Make sure to put petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, on the skin under the nose to protect the nostrils from being irritated. Consider talking to your child's provider if your child has other symptoms in addition to runny nose, such as fever, cough, and congestion.
                  Is ipratropium nasal spray over the counter?
                  Ipratropium nasal spray isn't available over the counter. You'd need a prescription from a provider to get this medication. If you've runny nose and you need medication right away, talk to your pharmacist about over-the-counter options that might work for you.
                  Does ipratropium nasal spray expire?
                  Yes, ipratropium nasal spray expires. Always check the expiration date of your medication before using it. Expired ipratropium nasal spray might not work well. If your medication has expired, discard it and obtain a new one from your provider.
                  Does ipratropium nasal spray raise my heart rate?
                  Even though products that contain ipratropium, such as Duoneb (ipratropium / albuterol), have been shown to cause fast heart rate in some people, it's unlikely that ipratropium nasal spray will raise your heart rate since not much of the medication gets absorbed into the bloodstream. In clinical studies, people didn't report fast heart rate as a side effect of this medication. If you experience chest palpitations or fast heart rate while using ipratropium nasal spray, let your provider know so they can help find out the cause.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Ipratropium nasal spray?

                  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-warning

                  Allergic reactions

                  • 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-warning

                    Vision and eye problems

                    • 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-warning

                      Worsening of certain medical conditions

                      • 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.

                        dosage

                        Ipratropium nasal spray dosage forms

                        Typical dosing for Ipratropium nasal spray

                        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.

                        interactions

                        Interactions between Ipratropium nasal spray and other drugs

                        Ipratropium nasal spray 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 Ipratropium nasal spray. 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
                        drug-cost

                        How much does Ipratropium nasal spray cost?

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                        contraindications-icon

                        Ipratropium nasal spray 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 Ipratropium nasal spray will not be safe for you to take.

                        • History of allergy to atropine and similar medications

                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Ipratropium nasal spray?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ipratropium nasal spray. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Ipratropium nasal spray
                        Used for:

                        • Runny nose due to year-round allergies, seasonal allergies, and the common cold

                        $16.61 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Fluticasone nasal spray
                        Used for:

                        • Congestion

                        • Runny nose

                        • Sneezing

                        • Itchy nose

                        • Itchy, watery eyes

                        $15.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Olopatadine (Patanase)
                        Used for:

                        • Allergies

                        $29.86 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        images

                        Ipratropium nasal spray images

                        This medicine is Colorless Nasal Spray.
                        This medicine is Colorless Nasal Spray.
                        This medicine is Colorless Nasal Spray.
                        This medicine is Colorless Nasal Spray.
                        colorless - Ipratropium Bromide 0.06% Nasal Spray
                        This medicine is Colorless Nasal Spray.colorless - Ipratropium Bromide 0.06% Nasal Spray

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                        References

                        Best studies we found

                        Amneal Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Ipratropium bromide [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        Apotex Corporation. (2022). Ipratropium bromide [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        Dykewicz, M.S. (2020). Efficacy Infographics: ipratropium-allergies. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

                        View All References (4)

                        McLendon, K., et al. (2023). Atropine. StatPearls.

                        Naclerio, R. (2009). Anticholinergic drugs in nonallergic rhinitis. World Allergy Organization Journal.

                        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.

                        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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