DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Ipratropium Inhalation Solution (i-pra-TROE-pee-um)
Brand Name: Generic only. No brands available.

Ipratropium Solution is used for:

Treating and preventing bronchospasm (wheezing or difficulty breathing) associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It can be used alone or in combination with other medicines. It may also be used to treat certain conditions as determined by your doctor.

Ipratropium Solution is an anticholinergic. It works by relaxing and opening bronchial tubes (air passages in the lungs), making it easier to breathe.

Do NOT use Ipratropium Solution if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Ipratropium Solution
• you are allergic to soya lecithin or related foods, such as soybean and peanut

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Ipratropium Solution:

Some medical conditions may interact with Ipratropium Solution. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have glaucoma; enlargement of the prostrate; urinary blockage or retention

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ipratropium Solution. Because little, if any, of Ipratropium Solution is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.

Ask your health care provider if Ipratropium Solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Ipratropium Solution:

Use Ipratropium Solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Ipratropium Solution. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Do not use Ipratropium Solution if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• Twist open the top of 1 unit-dose vial and squeeze the contents into the nebulizer reservoir.
• Connect the nebulizer reservoir to the mouthpiece or face mask.
• Connect the nebulizer to the compressor.
• Sit in a comfortable, upright position; place the mouthpiece in your mouth or put on the face mask and turn on the compressor. If a face mask is used, take care to avoid leakage around the mask to prevent direct contact with the eyes.
• Breathe as calmly, deeply, and evenly as possible until no more mist is formed in the nebulizer chamber (about 5 to 15 minutes). At this point, the treatment is finished.
• Clean the nebulizer (see manufacturer's instructions).
• If prescribed by your doctor, Ipratropium Solution can be mixed in the nebulizer with albuterol or metaproterenol if used within 1 hour but should not be mixed with other medicines.
• Continue to use Ipratropium Solution even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Ipratropium Solution, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ipratropium Solution.

Important safety information:

• Ipratropium Solution may cause drowsiness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Ipratropium Solution with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Ipratropium Solution may cause dizziness; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase this effect. To prevent it, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of this effect.
• Avoid contact with eyes. Flush with water immediately if eye contact occurs. Temporary blurring of vision or precipitation or worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma or eye pain may result if the solution comes into direct contact with the eyes. Use of a nebulizer with mouthpiece rather than face mask may be preferable to reduce the likelihood of the nebulizer solution reaching the eyes.
• Ipratropium Solution should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Ipratropium Solution while you are pregnant. It is not known if Ipratropium Solution is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Ipratropium Solution, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Ipratropium Solution:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Cough; dizziness; dry mouth; dry nose or nose irritation; flu-like symptoms; headache; nausea; nervousness; pain; upper respiratory tract infection; runny nose; sinus infection; sore throat.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision; eye pain; nosebleeds; trouble urinating.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Ipratropium Solution:

Store Ipratropium Solution between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store unused vials in foil pouch. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Ipratropium Solution out of the reach of children and pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Ipratropium Solution, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Ipratropium Solution is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is summary only. It does not contain all information about Ipratropium Solution. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.