ipratropium bromide 21 mcg (0.03 %) nasal spray

Generic name:
Ipratropium 0.03% spray - nasal

Pronunciation
(IP-ra-TROE-pee-um)

Brand name(s)
Atrovent

Ipratropium is used to treat a runny nose that occurs throughout the year. It works by reducing the amount of fluid/mucus released from inside your nose.

This medication does not relieve symptoms of stuffy nose, sneezing, or postnasal drip.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using ipratropium and each time you get a refill. Learn how to use this spray properly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Follow the instructions for priming the spray if you are using it for the first time or if you have not used it for more than 24 hours. When priming the spray, make sure to spray away from the face so that you do not get the medication into your eyes.

Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Spray this medication into the nose as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times a day in each nostril.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Avoid getting this medication into your eyes. It may cause eye pain/irritation, temporary blurred vision, and other vision changes. If this medication does get into your eyes, flush your eyes with water for a few minutes. Tell your doctor right away if any symptoms occur.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use this medication more often, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor.

If the spray gets clogged, hold the nasal tip under warm running water for about a minute. Dry the nasal tip and prime the spray again. Do not use a sharp object to clear the spray.

You may start to feel better on the first day after using this medication, but it may take up to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

See also How to Use section.

Dry/bloody nose, dry mouth/throat, throat irritation, bad taste in mouth, nausea, dizziness, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• difficult/painful urination
• fast/pounding heartbeat

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• eye pain/swelling/redness
• vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision)

A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using ipratropium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to tiotropium; or to atropine or other belladonna-type drugs; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type)
• difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate)

Although unlikely, this drug may make you dizzy or blur your vision or cause other vision changes. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially problems urinating or constipation.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature with the cap on. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.