Atrovent HFA (Ipratropium Bromide Inhalation Aerosol) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 8, 2012

Atrovent HFA

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease »

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is comprised primarily of three related conditions - chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, and emphysema. In each condition there is chronic obstruction of the flow of air through the airways and out of the lungs, and the obstruction generally is permanent and may be progressive over time.

While asthma features obstruction to the flow of air out of the lungs, usually, the obstruction is reversible. Between "attacks" of asthma the flow of air through the airways typically is normal. These patients do not have COPD. However, if asthma is left untreated, the chronic inflammation associated with this disease can cause the airway obstruction to become fixed. That is, between attacks, the asthmatic patient may then have abnormal air flow. This process is referred to as lung remodeling. These asthma patients with a fixed component of airway obstruction are also considered to have COPD.

Often patien...

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Atrovent HFA

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ATROVENT® HFA
(ipratropium bromide HFA) Inhalation Aerosol

DRUG DESCRIPTION

The active ingredient in ATROVENT HFA is ipratropium bromide (as the monohydrate). It is an anticholinergic bronchodilator chemically described as 8azoniabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, 3-(3-hydroxy-1-oxo-2-phenylpropoxy)-8-methyl-8-(1-methylethyl)-,bromide monohydrate, (3-endo, 8-syn)-: a synthetic quaternary ammonium compound, chemically related to atropine. The structural formula for ipratropium bromide is:

ATROVENT® HFA (ipratropium bromide HFA)Structural Formula Illustration

C₂₀H₃₀BrNO₃•H₂O ipratropium bromide Mol. Wt. 430.4

Ipratropium bromide is a white to off-white crystalline substance, freely soluble in water and methanol, sparingly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in lipophilic solvents such as ether, chloroform, and fluorocarbons.

ATROVENT HFA is a pressurized metered-dose aerosol unit for oral inhalation that contains a solution of ipratropium bromide. The 200 inhalation unit has a net weight of 12.9 grams. After priming, each actuation of the inhaler delivers 21 mcg of ipratropium bromide from the valve in 56 mg of solution and delivers 17 mcg of ipratropium bromide from the mouthpiece. The actual amount of drug delivered to the lung may depend on patient factors, such as the coordination between the actuation of the device and inspiration through the delivery system. The excipients are HFA-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) as propellant, sterile water, dehydrated alcohol, and anhydrous citric acid. This product does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as propellants.

ATROVENT HFA should be primed before using for the first time by releasing 2 test sprays into the air away from the face. In cases where the inhaler has not been used for more than 3 days, prime the inhaler again by releasing 2 test sprays into the air away from the face.

What are the possible side effects of ipratropium inhalation (Atrovent HFA)?

Stop using ipratropium inhalation and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a fast, pounding heartbeat.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

headache, dizziness;
dry mouth, cough, hoarseness;
nausea, upset stomach; or
blurred vision.

If you switch from Atrovent to...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Atrovent HFA »

What are the precautions when taking ipratropium bromide inhalation aerosol (Atrovent HFA)?

Before using ipratropium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to atropine or other belladonna-type drugs; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: glaucoma (narrow-angle), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate).

This drug may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision or other vision changes. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 10/20/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.