Brand Name (s): Atrovent, Atrovent HFA
Generic Name: ipratropium inhalation (IP ra TRO pee um)

Atrovent. Common Uses.

Atrovent Forte is known as an anticholinergic bronchodilator and is used to make breathing easier for people with diseases such as asthma, emphysema, (a serious condition that makes breathing difficult), and chronic obstructive bronchitis. Atrovent Forte improves air flow by relaxing the muscular tubes (air passages) that carry air to and from your lungs.

Atrovent. How to Take.

Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully. Put the mouthpiece of the inhaler or spacer into your mouth. Be sure the mouthpiece is above the tongue and past the teeth. Alternatively, place the inhaler mouthpiece (not with spacer attached) several inches in front of your open mouth, if directed to do so by your doctor. Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly.

If you take more than one dose at a time, wait for at least 1 full minute, then repeat the procedure.

Keep your inhaler clean and dry. Keep the mouthpiece capped to avoid getting dirt inside it. Clean your inhaler once a day by removing the canister and immersing the mouthpiece in warm water. Allow the parts to dry, then reassemble the inhaler.

Atrovent. Warning and Precautions.

It begins to act quickly after use but may take up to 2 hours to give maximum benefit. Before using Atrovent Forte, you must tell your doctor if you have, or have had, any of the following conditions; an eye problem called "glaucoma", problems with passing urine, constipation, cystic fibrosis. The plastic mouthpiece has been specially designed for use with Atrovent. The mouthpiece must never be used with any other metered aerosol nor must the Atrovent metered aerosol be used with any mouthpiece other than the one supplied with the product. Only use Atrovent Forte if a doctor has prescribed it for you. Never give it to someone else even if their symptoms seem to be the same as yours. Do not use Atrovent Forte if you are allergic to it or to any of the ingredients. These ingredients are ipratropium bromide and soya lecithin in a mixture of CFC-containing propellant gases. In some cases you should not use Atrovent Forte if you are allergic to certain other medicines. You must tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medicine, particularly atropine or other anticholinergic medicines. If you are uncertain as to whether you have these allergies you should raise those concerns with your doctor. You should never use Atrovent Forte after the expiry date on the canister or carton.

Atrovent. Missed Dose.

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.

Atrovent. Overdose.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Atrovent is not expected to cause overdose symptoms.

Atrovent. Storage.

Store Atrovent between 39 and 86 degrees F (4 and 30 degrees C). Keep Atrovent out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Atrovent. Possible Side Effects.

The more frequently reported side effects of Atrovent Forte are headache, nausea, dryness of the mouth, throat irritation and cough. Less frequently reported side effects of Atrovent Forte include the following: Fast or irregular heart beat; Change in bowel movements; Urinary retention (difficulty passing urine); Narrow-angle glaucoma (a condition affecting the eyes). The following symptoms may be associated with narrow-angle glaucoma: red eyes, eye pain or discomfort, sight disturbances (blurred vision, visual halos or coloured images); Direct contact of the spray with the eyes may temporarily affect the ability of the eyes to focus. However, in some patients this may cause the more serious eye problem of narrow-angle glaucoma mentioned above, to develop or worsen. Therefore, it is very important to follow the Directions for Use carefully and avoid contact with the eyes. Worsening of breathing problems (induced by the inhalation process); Allergic reactions: Most of the cases of allergic reactions have involved patients who have had a history of allergy to other drugs and/or foods. Allergic reactions may include skin rash, swelling of the tongue, lips and face, and difficulty breathing. Life-threatening allergic reactions have been reported. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any side effects during or after using Atrovent Forte, so that these may be properly treated.

More Information about Atrovent.

Before using Atrovent, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the medicines: atropine, belladonna, clidinium (Donnatal), dicyclimine (Quarzan), popantheline (ProBanthine), mepenzolate (Cantil), methantheline (Banthine), methscopolamine (Pamine), and scopolamine (Transderm-Scop).

You may not be able to use Atrovent, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Atrovent or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Disclaimer.

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information . It is not containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.