Ipratropium nasal spray
What does ipratropium nasal spray do?
IPRATROPIUM (Atrovent(R)) helps to relieve a runny nose due to seasonal allergies or non-allergic seasonal causes, like a runny nose from a cold. Ipratropium nasal sprays do not relieve nasal congestion or sneezing. Generic ipratropium nasal spray is not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I use ipratropium nasal spray?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• bladder problems, difficulty passing urine
• glaucoma
• prostate trouble
• an unusual or allergic reaction to ipratropium, atropine, bromides, soya flour or protein, soya beans or peanuts, peanut oil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Ipratropium nasal spray is for use only in the nose. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not share this medicine with anyone else.
Remove the dust cap and safety clip from the spray pump. You must prime the pump before use. To prime, hold the bottle upright with your thumb under the base, and index and middle finger on the white shoulder area. Keep well away from your eyes. Press your thumb firmly and quickly against the bottle seven times. The pump is now primed and ready for use.
Blow your nose gently. Close one nostril by placing a finger against the side of your nose; tilt head forward slightly. Put the nasal tip of the bottle gently inside the open nostril. Point the tip towards the outer side of your nose. Press the spray pump once with your thumb. Sniff deeply and breathe out through your mouth. Remove the spray, tilt your head back for a few seconds. Repeat once in the same nostril. Repeat these two doses in the second nostril. Replace the cap and cap safety clip after use. Use at regular intervals. Do not use more often than prescribed by your doctor or health care professional.
If the nasal tip of the spray gets blocked, remove the cap. Hold the tip of the bottle under warm running tap water for about a minute. Dry the nasal tip and reprime the nasal pump as above. Replace the plastic dust cap and safety clip.
If you do not use the ipratropium nasal spray for more than 24 hours, the pump will need to be sprayed twice into the air to reprime. Keep well away from your eyes. If you do not use it for more than 7 days, the pump will need seven actuations to reprime.
Ipratropium nasal spray may be used in children as young as 5 years old. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed for administering or using this medicine.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with ipratropium nasal spray?
Drug interactions with this nasal spray are not common. Check with your health care professional before using other nasal sprays with ipratropium nasal spray.
• atropine, hyoscyamine, or related medications
• cromolyn sodium
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using ipratropium nasal spray?
Serious side effects with ipratropium nasal spray are rare. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• skin rash or hives
• swelling of the lips, tongue or face
• vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Rare:
• blurred vision
• dizziness
• headache
• infection in the respiratory tract
• nausea
• nosebleeds
More Common:
• cough
• dry mouth, metallic taste in your mouth
• dry nose, irritation, burning or itching in the nose
• stuffy nose