Ipratropium Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)

What is this medication?

IPRATROPIUM (i pra TROE pee um) treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Do not use it to treat a sudden COPD flare-up.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Atrovent, Atrovent HFA

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Bladder problems
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease
• Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• Prostate disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to ipratropium, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is inhaled through the mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not use it more often than directed. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Atropine
• Certain antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
• Certain medications for bladder problems, such as oxybutynin, tolterodine
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
• Certain medications for stomach problems, such as dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
• Certain medications for travel sickness, such as scopolamine
• Certain medications for Parkinson disease, such as benztropine, trihexyphenidyl

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Never use this medication for an acute asthma attack. You should use your short-acting rescue inhaler for an acute attack. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short-acting inhalers more often, call your care team right away.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
• Trouble passing urine
• Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Back pain
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep inhaler away from extreme heat, cold or humidity. Throw away when the dose counter reads "0" or after the expiration date, whichever is first.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.