Ipratropium solution for inhalation

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 alone for an acute attack.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is used in a nebulizer. Nebulizers make a liquid into an aerosol that you breathe in through your mouth or your mouth and nose into your lungs. You will be taught how to use your nebulizer. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not use more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

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

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

• dizziness

• eye pain

• fast or irregular heartbeat

• infection or fever

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

• blurred vision

• cough

• dry mouth

• headache

• nausea or constipation

• trouble passing urine

What may interact with this medicine?

Ask your health care professional before you mix any medicines in the same dose of your nebulizer.

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

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

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep the vials in the carton until you are ready to use. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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.