Atrovent Inhaler

What is Atrovent?

Atrovent Inhaler CFC-Free is a pressurised inhalation solution containing the active ingredient Ipratropium Bromide. It belongs to a class of medicines known as anticholinergics, which act as bronchodilators.

Mechanism of Action

To understand how Atrovent works, imagine the airways in your lungs have tiny muscles surrounding them. When you have asthma or COPD, these muscles can tighten, and excess mucus may be produced, making the airways narrow. Atrovent works by blocking a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) that causes this tightening and mucus production. This helps the muscles around your airways to relax, effectively opening them up (bronchodilation) and making it easier to breathe.

What is Atrovent Used For?

Atrovent is used as a maintenance treatment to make breathing easier for people with:

• Asthma
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

It helps to relieve symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath (Dyspnoea)
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness

Before Using Atrovent

Before using Atrovent, discuss your full medical history with your doctor. Special care is needed if you have:

• Glaucoma, or if you have been told you may develop it.
• Problems passing water (urine), such as an enlarged prostate in men.
• Cystic Fibrosis.

Atrovent Contraindications

Do not use Atrovent if you:

• Are allergic to Ipratropium Bromide, any of the other ingredients, or to atropine or similar medicines.
• Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Special Population Considerations

Elderly Patients

• Dosage is the same as for other adults
• Caution is advised if you have pre-existing eye or urinary problems

Renal/Hepatic Impairment

• No specific dosage adjustment is mentioned, but you should inform your doctor

Pediatric Use

• Can be used in children aged 6 years and above under adult supervision
• For children under 6, use is restricted to one puff three times daily under strict medical supervision

Atrovent and Other Medicines

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines you are taking. Key interactions include:

High-Risk Combinations

• Other Anticholinergic Medicines: Using Atrovent with other drugs from this class (e.g., Tiotropium for COPD, Oxybutynin for urinary incontinence) may increase the risk of side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.

Compatible Medications

• Other Inhalers: Can be used alongside other reliever inhalers like Salbutamol.
• Xanthines: Such as Theophylline or Aminophylline.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

• Contraindicated during pregnancy
• Discontinue immediately if pregnancy occurs
• Discuss alternatives with your doctor

Breastfeeding

• Contraindicated during breastfeeding
• Discuss alternatives with your doctor

Driving & Machine Operation

• Atrovent may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or difficulty focusing
• If you experience these side effects, do not drive, use tools, or operate machinery until your vision is clear and you feel alert again

Atrovent Ingredients

Active Substance

• Ipratropium Bromide (as monohydrate) - 20 micrograms per puff

Excipients

Allergen Warning

• This product contains a small amount of alcohol (ethanol), but the quantity is negligible and will not have any noticeable effects
• It also contains fluorinated greenhouse gases

How to Use Atrovent Inhaler

Preparation Steps

1. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece
2. Hold the inhaler upright with the arrow pointing up
3. Breathe out gently

Inhalation Technique

• Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it
• As you start to breathe in slowly and deeply, press the canister down firmly to release one puff of medicine
• Continue to breathe in deeply
• Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or as long as is comfortable
• Breathe out slowly

Post-Inhalation Protocol

1. If you need another puff, wait at least one minute and then repeat
2. Replace the cap after use

Atrovent Dosage Guidelines

Standard Dosage Schedule

*Under strict medical supervision.

Dose Adjustment Criteria

• Always use exactly as prescribed
• Do not exceed recommended dosage

Administration Instructions

Step-by-step inhalation guide:

Using a Spacer

• If you find it difficult to coordinate breathing in and pressing the canister, ask your doctor or pharmacist about using a spacer device (e.g., AeroChamber Plus™)

Testing Your Inhaler

• Test fire it twice into the air before first use
• Test fire if it hasn't been used for 3 days or more

Cleaning

• Clean the white mouthpiece regularly with warm, soapy water
• Rinse and air-dry thoroughly

Missed Dose Management

General Principles

• If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one

Overdose Information

Symptoms

• Dry mouth
• Rapid heart rate
• Blurred vision

Management

1. If you use more puffs than prescribed, talk to a doctor or go to a hospital straight away
2. Take the inhaler and its packaging with you

Possible Side Effects

Serious Side Effects – Seek Immediate Medical Help

Stop using Atrovent and tell your doctor straight away if you notice:

• Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching; swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing; sudden drop in blood pressure
• Worsening breathing difficulties immediately after using the inhaler
• Heart problems: Palpitations (fast or uneven heartbeats), increased heart rate, or irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation)
• Eye problems: If the spray gets into your eyes, it can cause pain, stinging, redness, blurred vision, dilated pupils, or seeing halos around lights. This could be a sign of acute glaucoma, which needs urgent treatment

Common (affects less than 1 in 10 people)

• Headache, dizziness
• Dry mouth, nausea, stomach upset
• Cough, throat irritation

Uncommon (affects less than 1 in 100 people)

• Itching, skin rash
• Chest tightness, dry throat
• Blurred vision, eye problems
• Diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting
• Mouth or lip sores
• Difficulty passing urine

Rare (affects less than 1 in 1000 people)

• Difficulty focusing
• Nettle rash (urticaria)

You can report side effects via the Yellow Card Scheme.

How to Store Atrovent

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25°C
• Protect from direct sunlight, heat, and frost
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton and canister

Safety Precautions

• The canister is pressurised. Do not expose to temperatures above 50°C, puncture, or burn it, even when empty
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children

Pack Information

Pack Sizes

• Each carton contains one inhaler

Components

• 200 puffs per inhaler

Replacement

• Replace the inhaler after 200 puffs (approx. 3-4 weeks of regular use) to ensure correct dosing, even if it seems not empty

Where Can I Buy Atrovent Online in the UK