Atrovent

Atrovent

Atrovent is an anticholinergic which contains a corticosteroid (steroid) called ipratropium bromide. It acts like a bronchodilator and is taken to relieve the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Bronchospasm occurs when the airways leading to the lungs (bronchi) constrict and tighten. It can be triggered by respiratory illnesses such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary syndrome (COPD), but can also happen when a person is exposed to an allergen such as dust, smoke or pollen.

Illnesses, medicines, weather, exercise and even emotions can also cause bronchospasm symptoms.

Symptoms of bronchospasm include:

• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling tired or exhausted
• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Pain or tightness in the chest
• Wheezing

Atrovent does not replace your reliever inhaler and should not be used to treat an asthma attack.

Our online private prescription service makes it fast and convenient to get Atrovent delivered straight to your door via a discreet delivery service. If your order is approved before  3pm on weekdays, our pharmacy can dispatch your item the same day for next-day delivery.

How does Atrovent work?

Atrovent contains the active ingredient ipratropium bromide, known as an anticholinergic bronchodilator.

It works by blocking muscarinic receptors found in the soft muscles which surround the airways. This helps the muscles to relax, allowing the airways to open.

When taken, it prevents the muscles from tightening around the airways, providing relief and opening the airways to ease breathing.

How to take Atrovent?

Always follow the dose prescribed by your doctor when using Atrovent. For adults, this is usually 1 or 2 puffs, taken three or four times daily.

You should make sure you know how to use the inhaler correctly to obtain the maximum benefit from Atrovent.

How to use your Atrovent inhaler

Before using your Atrovent inhaler for the first time, you need to prime it.

To prime your inhaler, hold the inhaler away from you and depress the canister until you see a fine mist. Seeing this means your inhaler is ready to use.

To use your Atrovent inhaler:

1. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece.
2. Hold the inhaler away from your mouth and gently breathe out.
3. Put the mouthpiece into your mouth and ensure a good seal with your lips.
4. Start to breathe in deeply and slowly through your mouth.
5. Press the top of the inhaler firmly. This will release a puff of your medicine.
6. Continue breathing in.
7. Hold your breath for as long as comfortable. Aim for around 10 seconds.
8. Breathe out slowly.
9. Replace the cap and store your inhaler in a safe place.

If you are taking another dose, wait at least a minute before taking another puff. When you are ready to do so, follow steps 2 through 8.

If you find it difficult to press the inhaler down while breathing in, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. You may need to use a spacer device, which makes administering the required dose of Atrovent easier.

Take care to avoid accidentally spraying Atrovent in your eyes, as this can cause stinging, red eyes, dilated pupils, blurred vision and visual disturbances. If this happens, speak to your doctor for advice.

What should I do if I take too much Atrovent?

If you take too much Atrovent, talk to a doctor or go straight to the hospital. Take all your inhalers and any other medicines you were taking with you.

Taking too much Atrovent can cause a dry mouth, a rapid heartbeat or blurred vision.