Ipratropium bromide

Ipratropium bromide, sold under the trade name Atrovent among others, is a medication which opens up the medium and large airways in the lungs. It is used to treat the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. It is used by inhaler or nebulizer. Onset of action is typically within 15 to 30 minutes and lasts for three to five hours. Ipratropium bromide, sold under the trade name Atrovent among others, is a medication which opens up the medium and large airways in the lungs. It is used to treat the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. It is used by inhaler or nebulizer. Onset of action is typically within 15 to 30 minutes and lasts for three to five hours. Common side effects include dry mouth, cough, and inflammation of the airways. Potentially serious side effects include urinary retention, worsening spasms of the airways, and a severe allergic reaction. It appears to be safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ipratropium is a muscarinic antagonist, a type of anticholinergic, which works by causing smooth muscles to relax. Ipratropium bromide was patented in 1966 and approved for medical use in 1974. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. Ipratropium is available as a generic medication. The wholesale price in the developing world is about 6.60 USD for a 200 dose inhaler. In the United States, a month worth of medication costs 100 to 200 USD. In 2016 it was the 182nd most prescribed medication in the United States with more than 3 million prescriptions. Ipratropium is administered by inhalation for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma exacerbation. For that purpose, it is supplied in a canister for use in an inhaler or in single dose vials for use in a nebulizer. It is also used to treat and prevent minor and moderate bronchial asthma, especially asthma that is accompanied by cardiovascular system diseases. It is also combined with salbutamol (albuterol — USAN) under the trade names Combivent (a non-aerosol metered-dose inhaler or MDI) and Duoneb (nebulizer) for the management of COPD and asthma, and with fenoterol (trade names Duovent and Berodual N) for the management of asthma. Ipratropium as a nasal solution sprayed into the nostrils can reduce rhinorrhea but will not help nasal congestion. Combination with beta-adrenergic agonists increases the dilating effect on the bronchi. The main contraindication for inhaled ipratropium is hypersensitivity to atropine and related substances. For oral administration, contraindications are similar to other anticholinergics; they include narrow angle glaucoma and obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system.