Product Details: Atrovent HFA (Ipratropium)

The International version of this inhaler may have a label strength of 21mcg. This product supplys the same amount of active ingredient (17mcg) as the corresponding US brand product, the difference is due to alternate ways of measuring the strength.

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Boehringer Ingelheim

Description

This medicine is an anticholinergic agent used to prevent the symptoms of emphysema or chronic bronchitis. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. AN ADDITIONAL PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET is available with this medicine. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this information. BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE, be sure that the canister is properly inserted into the inhaler unit. AVOID SPRAYING THIS MEDICINE IN YOUR EYES. Exhale (breathe out), slowly and completely. UNLESS YOUR DOCTOR HAS TOLD YOU OTHERWISE, position the mouthpiece between your lips and try to rest your tongue flat. If your doctor instructed you to use a special spacing device, follow those directions. As you start to take a slow, deep breath, press the canister and mouthpiece together at exactly the same time to administer a dose of this medicine. Continue inhaling (breathing in) slowly and deeply and hold your breath for as long as comfortable, then exhale (breathe out) slowly through pursed lips or through your nose. If more than 1 inhalation is to be used, wait 15 seconds and repeat the above process. Rinse your mouth after using the inhaler to help prevent dry mouth and relieve throat irritation. KEEP TRACK OF THE NUMBER OF SPRAYS YOU USE and subtract this number from the number of doses in the container. This will help you know when the container is becoming empty. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not puncture, break, or burn container, even if it appears empty. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, use it as soon as possible, then go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it, if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product, or if you are allergic to atropine. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT STOP AN ASTHMA ATTACK once one has started. IF YOU ARE ALSO USING A SHORT-ACTING BRONCHODILATOR INHALER (such as albuterol), be sure to always carry the bronchodilator inhaler with you to use during asthma attacks. THIS MEDICINE MAY SOMETIMES CAUSE SEVERE BREATHING PROBLEMS right after you use a dose. When this problem occurs, it is often after the first use of a new canister or vial. If this happens, seek medical care at once. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY USING THIS MEDICINE or are having side effects like mouth sores or bad taste, ask your doctor or pharmacist about using a spacing device. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while using this medicine include cough, dry mouth, mouth or throat irritation, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or dizziness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if your symptoms worsen and you need to use more of this medicine, or if you experience flu-like symptoms (such as headache, fever, chills, or sore throat); back pain; changes in the amount of urine produced; or painful or difficult urination. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience swelling of your hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; new or worsening shortness of breath or wheezing; eye pain; blurred vision or other vision changes; or fast or irregular heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Ipratropium