Ipratropium is used to treat a runny nose caused by the
common cold or seasonal allergies. It works by reducing the amount of
fluid/mucus released from inside your nose.
This medication does not relieve symptoms of stuffy nose
or sneezing.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using ipratropium and each time you get a
refill. Learn how to use this spray properly. If you have any questions,
ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Follow the instructions for priming the spray if you are
using it for the first time or if you have not used it for more than 24
hours. When priming the spray, make sure to spray away from the face so
that you do not get the medication into your eyes.
Gently blow your nose before using this drug. Spray this
medication into the nose as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times a
day in each nostril.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and
response to treatment.
Avoid getting this medication into your eyes. It may
cause eye pain/irritation, temporary blurred vision, and other vision
changes. If this medication does get into your eyes, flush your eyes with
water for a few minutes. Tell your doctor right away if any symptoms
occur.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced
intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not
increase your dose or use this medication more often or for a longer time
than directed without first consulting your doctor.
If the spray gets clogged, hold the nasal tip under warm
running water for about a minute. Dry the nasal tip and prime the spray
again. Do not use a sharp object to clear the spray.
You may start to feel better on the first day after
using this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get
better or if it gets worse.
See also How to Use section.
Dry/bloody nose, headache, dry mouth/throat, throat
irritation, bad taste in mouth, dizziness, or constipation may occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor 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 right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- difficult/painful urination
- fast/pounding heartbeat
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- eye pain/swelling/redness
- vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at
night, blurred vision)
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is
rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- 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 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using ipratropium, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it or to tiotropium; or to atropine or other
belladonna-type drugs; or if you have any other allergies. This product may
contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other
problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure
type)
- difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged
prostate)
Although unlikely, this drug may make you dizzy or blur
your vision or cause other vision changes. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis)
can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that
needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially problems urinating or
constipation.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature with the cap on. Do not
refrigerate or freeze. Keep all medications 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.