What is Atrovent?

Commonly Used Brand Name(s)Atrovent

Therapeutic ClassificationsNasal Agent

Pharmacologic ClassificationsAnticholinergic

OverviewTOP

Ipratropium nasal spray is used to relieve runny nose (rhinorrhea).

The 0.03% nasal solution is used to relieve a runny nose caused by allergic and nonallergic perennial rhinitis. However, it does not relieve nasal congestion, sneezing, or postnasal drip caused by allergic or nonallergic perennial rhinitis.

The 0.06% nasal solution is used for 4 days to relieve a runny nose caused by the common cold. However, it does not relieve nasal congestion or sneezing caused by the common cold.

When this medicine is sprayed into your nose, it works by preventing the glands in your nose from producing large amounts of fluid.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Proper UseTOP

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine comes with patient directions. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

This medicine is only used in the nose. Do not get it in your eyes. If it does get in the eyes, rinse them with water right away and call your doctor.

Some patients using this medicine may feel better right away. For others, it may take 1 or 2 weeks before the medicine helps. Keep using the medicine on a regular schedule as your doctor ordered.

To use the nasal spray:

Remove the clear plastic dust cap and the green safety clip from the nasal spray pump. The safety clip prevents the accidental discharge of the spray when you are not using it.
When you use the spray pump for the first time, you must prime the bottle. Pump the bottle 7 times or until a fine spray comes out.
Gently blow your nose before using the spray. Insert the tip of the bottle into your nostril.
Close the opposite nostril with a finger and lean your head slightly forward.
Spray into your nostril and sniff deeply through your nose. Then breathe out through your mouth.
Take the spray pump out of your nostril. Lean your head backward for a few seconds.
If a second dose is needed in the same nostril, lean the head slightly forward and repeat the same steps.
Spray the opposite nostril using the same steps.
Replace the clear plastic dust cap and the green safety clip.
If the spray pump gets clogged, hold the tip of the bottle under warm running water for about 1 minute. Dry the pump and prime it again.
If you do not use the bottle for more than 24 hours, prime it again by releasing two sprays.
If you do not use the bottle for more than 7 days, clean the spray tip and prime it again by releasing seven sprays.
Keep track of the number of sprays you use. Throw the bottle away after you use 345 sprays (0.03% nasal spray) even if some liquid remains in the bottle.
You should not take extra doses of the nasal spray without checking first with your doctor.

DosingTOP

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For the 0.03% nasal spray:
- For runny nose caused by allergic and nonallergic perennial rhinitis:
  - Adults, teenagers, and children 6 years of age and older—2 sprays in each nostril two or three times a day.
  - Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For the 0.06% nasal spray:
- For runny nose associated with the common cold:
  - Adults, teenagers, and children 5 years of age and older—2 sprays in each nostril three or four times a day. Do not use the medicine for more than 4 days.
  - Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed DoseTOP

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Use & StorageTOP

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Before UsingTOP

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

AllergiesTOP

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

PediatricTOP

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of ipratropium nasal spray in children younger than 6 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

GeriatricTOP

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of ipratropium nasal spray in geriatric patients.

PregnancyTOP

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	B	Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.

Breast FeedingTOP

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug InteractionsTOP

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

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.

Secretin Human
Tiotropium

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

Other InteractionsTOP

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

PrecautionsTOP

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to use it.

If you or your child feel that your symptoms do not improve within a few weeks or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

Check with your doctor right away if blurred vision, difficulty in reading, eye pain or discomfort, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

This medicine may cause dizziness or trouble in seeing clearly. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do other jobs that require you to be alert, well-coordinated, or able to see well.

If you have dryness of the nose or have unexplained nosebleeds, call your doctor right away.

Ipratropium nasal spray may cause dryness of the mouth or throat. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.