What is Atrovent Nasal (Ipratropium Nasal)?
Ipratropium nasal is used to treat runny nose caused by seasonal allergies (hay fever). This medication will not treat stuffy nose, sneezing, or cough.
Ipratropium nasal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Atrovent Nasal (Ipratropium Nasal)?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate or bladder obstruction. If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use ipratropium nasal or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Atrovent Nasal (Ipratropium Nasal)?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- narrow-angle glaucoma; or
- an enlarged prostate or a bladder obstruction
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use ipratropium nasal.
FDA pregnancy category B: This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use ipratropium nasal without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known if ipratropium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use ipratropium nasal without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Ipratropium nasal should not be used by a child younger than 6 years of age.
Atrovent Nasal Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Atrovent Nasal (Ipratropium Nasal)?
Stop using ipratropium nasal and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a fast, pounding heartbeat.
Less serious side effects may include:
- headache
- dry nose
- nosebleeds; or
- blurred vision
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Atrovent Nasal Interactions
What other drugs affect Atrovent Nasal (Ipratropium Nasal)?
Before using ipratropium nasal, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:
- atropine (Donnatal, and others),
- belladonna,
- clidinium (Quarzan),
- dicyclomine (Bentyl),
- glycopyrrolate (Robinul),
- hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others)
- mepenzolate (Cantil),
- methantheline (Provocholine),
- methscopolamine (Pamine), and
- propantheline (Pro-Banthine), or
- scopolamine (Transderm-Scop)
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with ipratropium nasal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Atrovent Nasal (Ipratropium Nasal)?
Do not use other nasal sprays, nasal gels, or nasal inhalers unless approved by your doctor.
Avoid getting ipratropium nasal in your eyes. If this happens, rinse with water.
Atrovent Nasal Dosage
How should I take Atrovent Nasal (Ipratropium Nasal)?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
When using the nasal spray for the first time, prime it by spraying 7 test sprays into the air, away from your face. Prime with 2 sprays if you have not used the medicine in 1 to 6 days. Prime with 7 sprays if you have not used it for a week or longer.
Store ipratropium nasal at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the cap tightly closed when not in use. Do not allow the medicine to freeze.
What happens if I overdose on Atrovent Nasal (Ipratropium Nasal)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Ipratropium nasal is not expected to cause overdose symptoms.
What happens if I miss a dose of Atrovent Nasal (Ipratropium Nasal)?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com