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Atrovent Inhalation Aerosol

(ipratropium bromide aerosol)

In this factsheet:
• How does Atrovent Inhalation Aerosol work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Atrovent Inhalation Aerosol?
• What form(s) does Atrovent Inhalation Aerosol come in?
• Who should NOT take Atrovent Inhalation Aerosol?
• What side effects are possible with Atrovent Inhalation Aerosol?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Atrovent Inhalation Aerosol?
• What other drugs could interact with Atrovent Inhalation Aerosol?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

What side effects are possible with Atrovent Inhalation Aerosol?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• constipation
• cough
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• headache
• hoarseness
• irritation of mouth or throat
• nausea
• unpleasant taste
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blurred vision or other changes in vision
• burning eyes
• constipation (continuing) or lower abdominal pain or bloating
• difficult urination
• flu-like symptoms
• nervousness
• pounding heartbeat
• sweating
• trembling
• vision changes

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• chest pain
• difficulty swallowing
• increased wheezing, tightness in chest, or difficulty breathing
• severe eye pain
• skin rash or hives
• swelling of face, lips, or eyelids

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Atrovent Inhalation Aerosol?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Acute breathing problems: This medication is not for use as a "reliever" medication. If you get a sudden attack of breathlessness, be sure to use your "reliever" medication for rapid relief of your symptoms. It is very important that you have your "reliever" medication available with you at all times. If you persistently use more of your "reliever" medication, contact your doctor.

Eye problems: Take care to ensure that ipratropium bromide aerosol does not reach the eye. There have been reports of eye complications (e.g., tearing, increased eye pressure, glaucoma, and eye pain) when this medication has been released into the eyes. Eye problems have occurred when the aerosol was used with the standard mouthpiece or with a spacing device. If you experience eye pain, blurred vision, or vision changes, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

Glaucoma: People with glaucoma should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You will probably need to have regular eye examinations while you are using this medication.

Prostate or urinary problems: People with prostate or urinary tract problems should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if ipratropium bromide passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under 18 years of age.

What other drugs could interact with Atrovent Inhalation Aerosol?

There may be an interaction between ipratropium bromide aerosol and any of the following:

• anticholinergic medications (e.g., atropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine)
• beta-adrenergic medications (e.g., formoterol, salbutamol, terbutaline)
• theophylline

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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