A Guide to COPD Inhalers
COPD inhalers may contain short- or long-acting medication, and there are a variety of devices on the market. Compare the best COPD inhalers with this guide.
ipratropium
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.
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.
When does Ipratropium nasal spray start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Atrovent |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Anticholinergic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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
- Nosebleeds (8%)
- Nasal dryness (5%)
- Headache (10%)
- Cough, runny nose, and other symptoms of respiratory infections (10%)
- Nosebleed (9%)
- Sore throat (8%)
- Dry nose (5%)
Less Common 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
Ipratropium nasal spray 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:
M
H
D
W
M
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.
The following Ipratropium nasal spray 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
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.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$52.76
GoodRx discount
$10.98
Pros and cons of Ipratropium nasal spray
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
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 for Ipratropium nasal spray
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ipratropium nasal spray dosage
The average cost for 25 vials of 2.5ml of 0.02% of Ipratropium nasal spray is $10.98 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 79.19% off the average retail price of $52.76.
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.
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.
- Clozapine
- Glucagon
- Glycopyrrolate
- Glycopyrronium Tosylate
- Methacholine
- Quetiapine
- Revefenacin
- Scopolamine
- 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
How much does Ipratropium nasal spray cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Ipratropium nasal spray (generic)
$10.98
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
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.
News about Ipratropium nasal spray
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Ipratropium nasal spray images
