Doctors usually prescribe Ipratropium bromide for the treatment of reversible bronchospasm (asthma) associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Ipratropium bromide is an active substance that belongs to the group of medications labeled as inhalation anticholinergic bronchodilators. They relax the muscles of the bronchi and facilitate the passage of air and help a person to breathe normally again.
Doctors prescribe this drug for the treatment of bronchospasms associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When used together with inhaled β2 agonist drugs, doctors also prescribe them for the treatment of acute and chronic asthma.
Ipratropium bromide is a competitive antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. It has a potent effect on bronchial receptors, both administered intravenously and by inhalation. However, it doesn’t produce tachycardia. In addition, it reverses bronchoconstriction induced by any inhaled cholinergic agonists.
The dose must adapt to the individual needs of a patient and they may administer repeated doses until they stabilize. However, only a doctor should determine the time intervals between doses.
You must neither exceed the recommended daily dose in acute nor in maintenance treatments. There may be a combination of Ipratropium bromide with short-acting beta-2-adrenergic agonists in the same nebulization chamber.
You must use the solution as soon as possible after mixing it and discard any leftovers. Also, there are various types of nebulizers in the market with which to administer this medication.
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Ipratropium bromide is not recommended if you’re allergic to it or to other similar substances, such as atropine or its derivatives. Also, you shouldn’t use it in cases where there are acute coughing, wheezing, and bronchospasm attacks that require a quick response.
You must exercise caution in the use of anticholinergic agents in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hyperplasia or bladder obstruction. In addition, you must give special attention to patients with cystic fibrosis, as they may be more susceptible to gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Exceptionally, there have been hypersensitivity reactions immediately after the administration of Ipratropium bromide. These reactions manifest as hives, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, oropharyngeal edema and anaphylaxis.
Incorrect use of Ipratropium bromide spray could penetrate the eyes and can lead to eye complications such as:
You must learn to use this medication properly if you’re to undergo treatment. In particular, you should avoid spraying it in your eyes.
Follow these steps whenever you use it:
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There’s some evidence that co-administration of Ipratropium bromide with beta-adrenergic and xanthine derivatives may enhance the bronchodilator effect. However, you can use this medication together with other drugs commonly used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The risk of acute glaucoma in patients with a history of narrow-angle glaucoma may increase by the co-administration of nebulized Ipratropium bromide and beta-2-adrenergic agonists.
Like all medications, Ipratropium bromide can lead to side effects. However, these don’t appear in everyone. The most frequent adverse effects are:
Similarly, other rare side effects may occur such as hypersensitivity, severe allergic reaction, blurred vision, mydriasis, increased internal eye lesion, and red eyes and pain.
Be it on its own or associated with a beta-adrenergic, Ipratropium bromide has a therapeutic effect in the treatment of bronchospasms. This is especially the case when associated with viral bronchiolitis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in infants and young children.
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