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 prevent bronchospasms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Do not use this medicine alone for an acute attack of bronchospasm.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Combivent 103-18MCG/ACT Aerosol | BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM | 14/$127.03 or 44/$359.28 |
| DuoNeb 0.5-2.5 | 3)MG/3ML Solution (DEY LABS | 90/$76.64 or 270/$216.27 |
| DuoNeb 0.5-2.5 | 3)MG/3ML Solution (DEY LABS | 180/$140.53 or 540/$402.41 |
| Ipratropium-Albuterol 0.5-2.5 | 3)MG/3ML Solution (MYLAN | 90/$40 or 270/$99.95 |
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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
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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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.
A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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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.
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What may interact with this medicine?
Ask your health care professional before you mix any medicines in the same dose of your nebulizer.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known hypersensitivity to the drug or any other component of the formulation, or to atropine or its derivatives.
- Known hypersensitivity to soya lecithin or related food products, including soybeans and peanuts.
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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.
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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
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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