atrovent

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Use the remaining doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with this product. Learn how to use this medication properly. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Shake the canister well before using. If using the ipratropium HFA inhaler, you do not need to shake the canister. It is recommended that you use a spacer device with this medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. You should do some test sprays before using a canister for the first time or if it hasn't been used for more than a day. Inhale this medication by mouth usually 4 times a day, or as directed by your doctor. Close your eyes and place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece to avoid spraying any of this medication into your eyes. This will minimize the risk of temporary blurred vision, other vision changes, and eye irritation. If two inhalations/puffs are prescribed, wait at least one minute between them. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait several minutes between each medication. Rinse your mouth after using this inhaler to prevent dry mouth and throat irritation. If you are directed to take this medication regularly, it works best if used consistently at evenly spaced intervals. Remember to use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently, or stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Keep track of the number of inhalations you use, and throw away the canister after you have used the labeled number of inhalations on the package. Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens. Ask your doctor what to do if you have worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, or worsening peak flow meter readings. Learn when you can self-medicate and when you should get medical help right away. Inform your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, meclizine), anti-spasmodic drugs (e.g., dicyclomine, hyoscyamine), drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease (e.g., benztropine, trihexyphenidyl), muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine), certain psychiatric medicines (phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), pramlintide, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine). This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not share this medication with others.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Before using ipratropium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to atropine or other belladonna-type drugs; or if you have any other allergies. Some brands of this product may contain inactive ingredients (such as soya lecithin from soybeans), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Some people who are allergic to peanuts may also be allergic to soy. For patients using the ipratropium HFA inhaler, the peanut/soybean/soya lecithin allergy warning does not apply. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: narrow angle glaucoma, trouble urinating, enlarged prostate. Although unlikely, this medication may cause dizziness. It may also cause temporary blurred vision or other vision changes if accidentally sprayed into your eyes. If these effects occur, do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not puncture or expose this medication to high heat or open flame. Keep all medicines 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.

See also How to Use. Dry mouth, dry throat, a bad taste in your mouth, or cough may occur as your body adjusts to this drug. Nervousness, dizziness, headache, nausea, constipation, or stomach upset may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, vision changes, eye pain, increased wheezing/trouble breathing, trouble urinating. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: 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. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional. This medication may also be used in combination with other drugs to treat asthma in select patients.