Atrovent used with mucomyst

[erj]

I am a Respiratory Therapist that has just changed jobs from a different state.  At my last job we did not mix atrovent with mucomyst because atrovent has a drying effect when mucomyst is used for thinning dried retained mucus.  We always discontinued the atrovent when mucus thicking was a problem.   At my new job they just continue using atrovent when a mucolytic is ordered.  Is there any clinical data on these meds stating their use together or not?

[National Jewish]

I could find no recent references about the use of these 2 medicines together.  There was a study that confirmed the pharmacologic compatibility of mixing these 2 medicines.  The study found that Mucomyst® (acetylcysteine) and Atrovent® Inhalation Solution (ipratropium bromide) were stable in nebulizing solution within one hour of mixing.

As you have stated Atrovent® Inhalation Solution (ipratropium bromide) is likely to cause dryness and this may alter the thickness of the mucus.  I would be inclined to use a beta-2 agonist with the Mucomyst® (acetylcysteine) for bronchodilation.  If the Atrovent® Inhalation Solution (ipratropium bromide) is continued, I would give it at a different time than the Mucomyst® (acetylcysteine).

[Canyon711]

I would thing that the respiratory association would have information on this. I, as a patient, have never had it mixed with anything. Thought Atrovent in drying it is a bronchodilator and that should help the mucous come up. Most people on Atrovent that I know say they get more mucous up when they take Atrovent over anything else so I don't see why it would be a problem.

[Sunny602]

At one time I did mix Atrovent and Albuterol (Combivent) together, but have also mixed albuterol with mucomyst to help open my airways and also to help expel the mucous. Mucomyst should never be given alone, it can cause bronchospasm, so many times I have seen it mixed with Atrovent or Albuterol. It is pretty effective, but the mucomyst smells like rotten eggs! Since I have been diagnosed with CF, the docs switched me to Pulmozyme which is the cadillac of all mucolytics, I liken it to draino to the lungs, clears them right out.
Hugs, Sunny