Ipratropium (Into The Nose)

Ipratropium (i-pra-TROE-pee-um)

Treats a runny nose caused by colds or hay fever.

Brand Name(s):

Atrovent
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ipratropium or to other medicines like ipratropium (such as atropine, scopolamine, or hyoscyamine).

How to Use This Medicine:

Spray

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often.
• Some patients using this medicine may feel better right away. For others, it may take 1 or 2 weeks before the medicine helps. Keep using the medicine on a regular schedule as your doctor ordered.
• Take the plastic dust cap and safety clip off of the spray pump.
• If you are using the spray pump for the first time or if it has been more than a week since you last used the medicine, you will need to prime the spray pump. Hold the bottle with your thumb on the bottom of the bottle and your index and middle fingers on the tabs on the side of the pump.
• Hold the bottle upright and point it away from your eyes. Push up quickly and firmly with your thumb 7 times. You won't need to prime the pump again unless it has been more than 24 hours since you last used it. Then you may need to prime the pump with 2 sprays.
• Blow your nose gently to clear your nostrils.
• Put the tip of the spray pump into one nostril, and hold the other nostril closed.
• Tilt your head forward slightly and spray the medicine into your nostril.
• Take the spray pump out of your nostril and sniff deeply through your nose. Then breathe out through your mouth.
• Tilt your head back for a few seconds so the medicine can go to the back of your nose.
• Wait a few seconds before using the spray in the same nostril. Then use the spray in your other nostril by following the same steps.

If a dose is missed:

• Use the spray as soon as possible. Take any remaining doses for that day at regularly spaced intervals.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Put the plastic dust cover and safety clip back on the pump when you are through.
• Store the spray at room temperature, away from heat or direct light. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking Bentyl®, Cystospaz®, atropine, scopolamine (Transderm Scop®), Donnatal®, orphenadrine (Norflex®), or ipratropium (using the mouth inhaler).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you have an enlarged prostate, glaucoma, trouble urinating, or if you are allergic to soy or peanuts.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• Do not spray the medicine into your eyes. If this does happen, rinse your eyes with cool water for a few minutes. Call your doctor if you have eye pain or blurred vision. Your eyes may be more sensitive to light for a few hours after the spray gets in your eyes.
• If the spray pump gets clogged, hold the tip of the bottle under warm running water for about 1 minute. Dry the pump and prime it again.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Chest pain or a fast pounding heartbeat
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Swelling of your face, lips, throat, or tongue
• Rash or hives
• Eye pain
• Trouble urinating or pain when urinating

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth or throat, coughing
• Nose bleed or nasal dryness
• Headache or dizziness
• Nervousness
• Bad taste in mouth

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.