Atrovent is the brand name for ipratropium inhalation. Bronchospasm or narrowing airways in the lungs, which occurs in people with bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), can be effectively treated with Atrovent.
You should tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma or an enlarged prostate or bladder obstruction before taking this drug. The doctor may need to modify the dosage or he may need to perform a few tests before giving you this drug, if you have any of these conditions.
Bronchospasm attacks are prevented by atrovent. However this drug does not treat bronchospasm while it is happening. If you use this drug in the occurrence of an attack, you may still have difficulty breathing and may need to use one of your other medicines to treat the attack.
In order to get the best results for your condition, use Atrovent regularly as instructed by your doctor. The other medicines that may be prescribed with Atrovent should also be taken regularly. Use this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Larger doses should not be taken and this drug should not be used for a longer period than prescribed. If you feel that this medicine is not working as well as usual, or if it makes your condition worse, seek medical assistance immediately.
The Atrovent canister may burst if it is exposed to extreme heat and hence it should not be kept in cars on hot days. Even an empty canister should not be thrown in open flame. This medication can also be taken while you are pregnant as it does not cause any harm to an unborn baby. However, do inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant before taking this medication. Studies are still going on to determine whether or not ipratropium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Hence do not take Atrovent before asking your doctor if you are breast-feeding.