Atrovent

• Atrovent is a preventer inhaler used to keep asthma and COPD symptoms under control
• Atrovent contains the active ingredient ipratropium
• Ipratropium is an antimuscarinic bronchodilator which improves airflow to the lungs
• Atrovent should be taken every day
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Atrovent contains the active ingredient ipratropium. Ipratropium is a bronchodilator that is inhaled into the lungs. Bronchodilators relax the muscles around the airways, helping to open the air passages to make it easier to breathe. 

Having wider airways not only makes it easier to breathe, but also settles any noisy breathing or wheezing associated with asthma or COPD.

Atrovent is more commonly prescribed for children with asthma than adults with asthma. However, Atrovent is a common treatment for adults with COPD.

Unlike a reliever inhaler, preventer inhalers can take several days to alleviate your symptoms. It can take up to four weeks before you notice the full benefit of taking Atrovent. It is important to continue taking your inhaler as prescribed, as stopping it increases the risk of your respiratory symptoms returning.

You may also need a reliever inhaler to treat any flare ups of asthma or COPD that occur.

Unlike a reliever inhaler which is only taken when your symptoms suddenly worsen, you should take Atrovent every day. Many adults will take their inhaler three or four times daily. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s information to ensure you take your inhaler properly.

Following these instructions will help to ensure you get the full dose of Atrovent.

1. Remove the cover from the mouthpiece and then shake the inhaler well. 
2. Hold the inhaler upright with your thumb at the bottom, and your forefinger and middle finger on top of the canister, pointing the mouthpiece towards you. 
3. Breathe out fully and then place the mouthpiece into your mouth with your tongue below the inhaler and your lips closed around it. 
4. While breathing in deeply and slowly, press down on the centre of the canister until the canister stops moving inside the external actuator. It is important to keep breathing in to get the full dose.
5. Hold your breath for 10 seconds.
6. Remove the inhaler from your mouth and then breathe out slowly.
7. If you are prescribed a second dose, repeat steps 2 to 6.

Replace the mouthpiece cover after use to keep your inhaler clean.

Taking an inhaler can take some practice, and some people find it helpful to practice in front of a mirror for their first attempts. 

Atrovent can be combined with a spacer device to make it easier to get the drug into the airways within the lungs. In this case, spray the inhaler into the spacer chamber and then inhale the medication at your own pace. This is ideal for those who find it difficult to co-ordinate inhaling the medication.

Each puff of Atrovent contains 20 micrograms of ipratropium. 

In adults, it is common to be prescribed 1 or 2 puffs three to four times daily. Some people may need up to 4 puffs each time to get the maximum benefit when first starting treatment.

Children under 12 need a lower dose of 1 or 2 puffs three times daily.

Check the label on your inhaler to ensure you take the correct dose as prescribed.

Like all medications, Atrovent can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Feeling dizzy
• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Blurred vision
• Irritation of the throat
• Cough.

These side effects are likely to settle down, but if they persist or become troublesome you should speak to your doctor for further advice.

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Atrovent may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your doctor if you:

• Have kidney disease
• Have prostate disease
• Have difficulty passing urine
• Have glaucoma (increased pressures in the eye)
• Have cystic fibrosis (CF)
• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, as it is particularly important that your asthma is well controlled at these times.

Some medications can interact with Atrovent. You may be advised that Atrovent will not suit you if you already take:

• Other medications for asthma and COPD, including anticholinergics and theophylline
• Beta blockers.

Because Atrovent may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Atrovent will not interact with them. 

Once prescribed, Atrovent will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription, allowing you to pick the medication up at your convenience.