Ipratropium bromide
(Apoven 250, Atrovent, DBL Ipratropium, Ipratrin, Chemart Ipratropium, GenRx Ipratropium, Healthsense Ipratropium, Terry White Chemists' Ipratropium)
(green inhalers)
Ipratropium bromide is an inhaled anticholinergic bronchodilator with a slower onset of action (30-60 minutes) than other relievers.
- Its major role is in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For more information on the management of COPD see COPD.
- Ipratropium bromide has a limited place in the day-to-day management of people with asthma, although in children the addition of ipratropium bromide to a SABA has shown benefit in the initial management of moderate and severe acute asthma.
- Administration by MDI and spacer is preferable to nebuliser therapy wherever possible.
- Adverse effects are primarily oropharyngeal and relate to its anticholinergic effects e.g. dry mouth, throat irritation.
- To reduce potential for ocular anticholinergic effects (dryness, irritation, blurred vision, visual halos), advise patients using the nebuliser solution to wear eye protection.
DOSAGE
| MDI |
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| Adults: |
40 mcg/inhalation, 1-2 inhalations 3-4 times per day to a maximum of 8 puffs per day. |
| Children: |
20 mcg/inhalation, 2-4 inhalations 3-4 times per day. |
| Nebuliser solution |
| Unit doses 0.025% (250 mcg/mL) and 0.05% (500 mcg/mL), or multidose solution of 250 mcg/mL (dilute with sodium chloride 0.9% solution) |
| Adults: |
500 mcg 3-4 times per day |
| Children: |
250 mcg up to 3 times per day |
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Content Created (Thursday, 16 November 2006)
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 31 May 2007 )
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COPD and asthma 
