Ipratropium aerosol inhaler

What is this medicine?

IPRATROPIUM (i pra TROE pee um) is a bronchodilator. It helps open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe. This medicine is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Do not use this medicine for an acute attack.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is inhaled through the mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not use more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• chest pain or fast heartbeat

• difficulty breathing or wheezing that increases or does not go away

• dizziness or fainting spell

• eye pain or change in vision

• low blood pressure

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• cough

• dry eyes, mouth or nose

• headache

• stomach upset

• trouble passing urine

• unusual taste or metallic taste in your mouth

What may interact with this medicine?

• atropine

• certain antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold

• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

• certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at a room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Avoid excessive humidity. The contents may burst when exposed to heat or flame. Do not freeze. Throw away the canister after 200 uses or after the expiration date, whichever comes first.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• bladder problems or difficulty passing urine

• glaucoma

• heart disease or irregular heartbeat

• prostate trouble

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ipratropium, atropine, bromides, soya protein, peanut oil, soybeans or peanuts, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular checks on your progress. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. Do not use extra medicine. If your breathing gets worse or if you need short acting inhalers more often, call your doctor right away.