- Used to treat chronic bronchitis
- Used in the treatment of COPD
- Also used to treat emphysema
Atrovent HFA is the brand name for the generic drug Ipratropium which is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. It is available in an aerosol for oral inhalation. This metered-dose, pressurized unit weighs nearly 13 g and it delivers approximately 200 inhalations of 21 mcg each.
Indications
Atrovent HFA is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is not used to relieve difficulty in breathing when the symptoms are acute but rather, to prevent early symptoms from getting worse.
Action
The drug works by easing the swelling and irritation in the airways, opening them up and helping the person breathe easily again. It is used to treat breathing problems on a regular basis and not when really quick relief is required.
Side Effects
Some people do not experience any side effects with drugs like these but others could and this could range from the slightly uncomfortable to very serious. It would be a good idea to let the doctor know if there is any side effect because what seems minor could become a major problem. The side effects that could occur are bowel changes – loose stools or being constipated, a bad taste in the mouth, throat irritation or hoarseness, cough, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting. The more serious side effects could be irregular heartbeat, agitation, difficulty in passing urine, profuse perspiration, blurred vision or burning in the eyes or tremors. There could also be pain in the chest, swelling of the face, mouth sores or white spots in the mouth, hives and difficulty breathing or swallowing. The medication should be stopped and the doctor must be notified immediately when the side effects are severe.
Caution
You must give your doctor a very detailed medical history. He must be aware of your family history as well, especially if there were any respiratory illnesses. He will also want to know if you had any illnesses in the past, or any surgery or procedures. You will have to be very frank with him about any alcohol or drug abuse and tell him if you are suffering from any condition and what medication you are taking for it. Any vitamins or supplements, even if they are herbal must be put down as well as any allergies you have or might have had.
Contraindications
Special monitoring will be required when people have glaucoma, prostrate problems, urinary ailments or if they are children under 18. There could be reactions and if you are prescribed this drug, the doctor will be cautious about the dosages and the reactions. The drug is contraindicated in pregnant women and nursing mothers and they will have to be under a doctor’s constant care if they are prescribed this medication. It is not known for sure if the drug passes to the fetus or to the nursing baby and doctors will advise you to be very careful. It would be only if nothing else would relieve symptoms that the drug would be prescribed.