Atrovent

Ipratropium nasal spray is an anticholinergic drug that is used to relieve runny nose caused by allergies. It works by reducing nasal discharges. 

This nasal spray comes in two strengths. The 0.03% strength is used to relieve a runny nose caused by allergic and nonallergic perennial rhinitis. The 0.06% strength is used to relieve a runny nose caused by the common cold. 

Tell to your doctor if you are allergic to Ipratropium or to any other medications. Inform your healthcare providers as well if you are allergic to foods, dyes, or animals.

Safety and effectiveness of this medicine have not been established in children, adults, and elderly.

Pregnancy category B - No risks have been found in humans.

There are no adequate studies whether Ipratropium can pass through breast milk or if it could cause harmful effects to the infant. Discuss with your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Taking this medicine with Oxymorphone is usually not recommended, but with exception in some cases. Dosage or frequency of one or both of your medicines may be changed if both medicines are prescribed together.

Taking this medicine with Betel Nut may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. Dosage or frequency of one or both of your medicines may be changed if both medicines are prescribed together.

Some medical conditions can interact with this medication. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Bladder neck blockage
• Enlarged prostate
• Glaucoma, narrow-angle
• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease

Use Ipratropium exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Excessive use of medication is not recommended. 

Be careful not to get a medicine in your eyes. If the medicine went to your eyes, rinse it thoroughly with water and call your doctor immediately.

To use the nasal spray:

• If you are going to use this medication for the first time, prime the bottle by pumping the bottle for 7 times.
• Blow your nose gently before spraying. Close the opposite nostril by pressing it with a finger and lean your head slightly forward.
• Insert the tip of the bottle inside your nose and spray the medicine into your nostril.
• Sniff deeply through your nose then breathe out through your mouth.
• Remove the spray pump out of your nostril and tilt your head backward for a few seconds.
• Repeat the same steps to the second nostril if needed. 
• Replace the clear plastic dust cap after use.
• If the spray pump gets clogged, hold the tip of the bottle under warm running water for about 1 minute. Dry the pump and prime it again.
• Prime the bottle by pumping 2 sprays if bottle is not used for more than 24 hours.
• Prime the bottle by pumping 7 sprays if bottle is not used for more than 7 days.
• Throw the bottle away after you use 345 sprays.

Recommended dosage for runny nose associated with allergic and nonallergic perennial rhinitis:

 Adults, teenagers, and children 6 years of age and older—use 0.03% nasal spray; 2 sprays in each nostril twice or thrice a day.

Recommended dosage for runny nose associated with common cold: 

 Adults, teenagers, and children 5 years of age and older— use 0.06% nasal spray; 2 sprays in each nostril three or four times a day. Do not use the medicine for more than 4 days.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is near for your next dose, skip the missed dose and start again to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store the medication in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children. Do not keep expired medications.

Consult with your doctor if:

• If you developed signs and symptoms of allergic reaction.
• If you are having blurring of vision, difficulty in reading, eye pain or discomfort, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist.
• If you have dryness of the nose or have unexplained nosebleeds

Have regular visits with your doctor to monitor your progress with the medication.

This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating machineries, or any other unsafe activities when you take this medication.

Use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute if you felt dryness in your mouth. Dryness of mouth is one of the side effects of anticholinergic drugs.

Talk to your doctor if you are planning to take any other medication.

If any of the following side effects occur, check with your doctor as soon as possible.

Serious side effects of 0.03% nasal spray:

• Body aches or pain
• chills
• cough
• difficulty with breathing
• ear congestion
• fever
• headache
• loss of voice
• nasal congestion
• runny nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• Blurred vision
• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• discharge or excessive tearing
• itching, redness, tearing, or other sign of eye irritation not present before use of this medicine or becoming worse during use
• nasal dryness
• nosebleeds
• redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
• Pain or cramping in the abdomen or stomach
• painful or difficult urination
• Difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• hives or welts
• itching
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness of the skin
• skin rash
• tightness in the chest

Serious side effects of 0.06% nasal spray:

• Nasal dryness
• nosebleeds
• Blurred vision
• dizziness
• eye redness or pain
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• pain or cramping in the abdomen or stomach
• painful or difficult urination
• ringing or buzzing in the ears
• sore throat

Less serious side effect of 0.03% nasal spray:

• Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
• change in taste
• dry mouth or throat
• increased nasal congestion or runny nose
• nasal itching, burning, or irritation
• nausea

Less serious side effect of 0.06% nasal spray:

• Dry mouth or throat
• increased nasal congestion

Not all side effects are listed above. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.