Ipratropium is a bronchodilator which can relax smooth muscles in the lungs and hence open up the airways. It is commonly used as a maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is sometimes used for treatment of acute asthma attacks.
Ipratropium is available in the form of an inhaler or a nasal spray. The inhaler form of Ipratropium is usually used for asthma relief, while a nasal spray is used for the relief of rhinitis and runny nose. A nebulised solution will be used for people who cannot use the ordinary inhaler.
The doses used in different routes of administration and uses are listed below:
For asthma/ COPD
Adult
Inhalation of aerosol: 20-40 mcg 3-4 times a day
Inhalation of nebulised solution: 250-500 mcg 3-4 times a day
Child 12-17 years
Inhalation of aerosol: 20-40 mcg 3-4 times a day
Child 6-11 years
Inhalation of aerosol: 20-40 mcg 3 times a day
Child 1 month – 5 years
Inhalation of aerosol: 20 mcg 3 times a day
For relief of severe/ life threatening acute asthma
Adult
Nebulised solution: 500 mcg every 4-6 hours as needed
Child 12-17 years
Nebulised solution: 500 mcg every 4-6 hours as needed
Child 1 month – 11 years
Nebulised solution: 250 mcg every 20 to 30 minutes for the first two hours, then 250 mcg every 4-6 hours as needed
For rhinitis and runny nose
Adult/ Child 12-17 years
Intranasal (Otrivin Duo): 1 sprays for 1-3 times per day, with each dose to be sprayed into each nostril. Do not use it for longer than seven days as Ipratropium is combined with a nasal decongestant.
Common side effects of Ipratropium include dizziness, nausea, stomach upset, dry mouth and constipation. If you experience any serious side effects, e.g. fast heartbeat, difficult urination, eye pain/swelling/redness, please inform your doctor.
Anyone who has an allergy to Ipratropium or any of its components.
When using an Ipratropium inhaler or nebulizer, correct technique is needed. You can also use a spacer for easier coordination. If you have difficulty with the proper inhaler technique, please seek help from your pharmacist or doctor.
Common dosing schedule:
Use Ipratropium as needed when there is an acute asthma attack.
Do not use Ipratropium for longer than 7 days if it is combined with a decongestant to prevent rebound congestion.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Ipratropium may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, both inhaler and nebulizer forms of Ipratropium are pharmacy only medicines and can be purchased without a prescription in a pharmacy by speaking with the pharmacist. They can also be obtained from doctors.
The combination product of Ipratropium and Salbutamol is prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies ( “Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Ipratropium in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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