Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution 500mcg/2ml, 20 Nebules

What Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution is and what it is used for

Ipratropium bromide Nebuliser Solution 500mcg belongs to a group of medicines called anticholinergics which act as bronchodilators. It is used to make breathing easier for people who have breathing difficulties, such as chronic asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution can be taken at the same time as medicines called beta2 -agonist bronchodilators (‘relievers’), for example salbutamol.

Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution 250mcg is used to control and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD which includes bronchitis and emphysema).

It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school. For preventing symptoms of lung disease, this medication must be used regularly to be effective. Use your quick-relief inhaler or nebulized solution (such as albuterol, also called salbutamol in some countries) for wheezing or sudden shortness of breath unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Ipratropium does not work as fast as your quick-relief medication, but may sometimes be used together with your quick-relief medication to relieve symptoms of wheezing or sudden shortness of breath if so prescribed by your doctor.

What is the Brand of Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution 500mcg/2ml

Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution 500mcg/2ml is the same as the brand Atrovent nebules 500mcg

How to take Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Your doctor may tell you to use your nebuliser at regular times each day or only when you are wheezy or short of breath.

Adults (including the elderly) and children over 12 years
The usual dose is 250-500 micrograms (1-2ml of solution) three or four times aday. For acute attacks of breathlessness use 500 micrograms (2ml) of solution.
Children 6-12 years
The usual dose is 250 micrograms (1ml) up to a total daily dose of 1mg (4ml). The time between doses should be decided by the doctor.
Children up to 5 years for the treatment of acute asthma only
The usual dose is 125-250 micrograms (0.5-1ml of solution) up to a total daily dose of 1mg (4ml). The time between doses should be decided by the doctor but there should be at least 6 hours between doses.
Children under 18 years should only use a nebuliser to take reliever medications under the care of a doctor with expertise in the management of asthma so that deterioration in asthma control can be detected and treated without delay.
Only use the nebuliser recommended by your doctor and supervise your child while they are using the nebuliser.
Do not swallow or give this medicine by injection.
Do not use your nebuliser to take Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution and disodium cromoglycate inhalation solutions’ which have the preservative benzalkonium chloride’ at the same time.

Do not use more than your doctor has told you. See your doctor straight away if you need to use the nebuliser more than your
doctor has recommended. Your doctor may need to check how well your medicine is working. In some cases your doctor may need to change your medicine

What you need to know before you take Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution 500mcg

Do not take Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution if you:
• are allergic to ipratropium bromide or a related medicine called atropine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you:
• suffer from cystic fibrosis
• suffer from raised pressure in the eyes (glaucoma) or have been told that you may develop it
• are a man suffering from prostate problems
• have a condition which makes passing urine difficult.
Other medicines and Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, especially:
• other anticholinergic medicines including those for COPD (e.g.tiotropium), irritable bowel syndrome (e.g. mebeverine), urinary incontinence (e.g. oxybutynin, solifenacin) or cough (e.g. dextromethorphan)
• medicines for breathing problems called beta-agonists such as salbutamol
• medicines for breathing problems called xanthine preparations such as
theophylline or aminophylline.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to
have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Driving and using machines
You may feel dizzy, or have difficulty in focusing, or blurred vision while taking
Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution. If this happens, do not drive or use any tools or machines

Possible side effects of Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution 500mcg

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Stop using Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution and see a doctor straight away, if you notice any of the following serious side effects – you may need urgent medical treatment:
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
• If after using Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution you are wheezy or have other difficulties in breathing, do not use any more (unless you have been told to by your doctor).
• Allergic reactions – the signs may include skin rash and itching. In severe cases the signs include swelling of your mouth and face, sudden difficulties in breathing and reduction of your blood pressure. Tightening of your throat.
• Palpitations (fast or uneven heart beats) or quickening of the heart rate.
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
• Increased heart rate or irregular heart rhythm such as atrial fibrillation.
Other side effects include:
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
• Headache, dizziness
• Cough and throat irritation when you have just used Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution
• Dry mouth
• Nausea (feeling sick), stomach upset or discomfort.

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
• Itching, skin rash
• Blurred vision, dilated pupils, glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), painful, stinging, red or swelling of the eyes, see colours or lights
• Mouth or lip sores
• Unexpected tightness of the chest, swelling of the throat, dry throat
• Diarrhoea, constipation or being sick
• Problems passing water (urine), especially if you already have problems passing urine.
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
• Difficulty focusing
• Nettle rash (urticaria).

Ingredients of Ipratropium Bromide Nebuliser Solution 500mcg

The active ingredient is Ipratropium Bromide 500 micrograms/ml (0.025% w/v).
• The other ingredients are sodium chloride, water for injections and hydrochloric acid.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties.

It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also develop for the first time in adults.

There’s currently no cure, but there are simple treatments that can help keep the symptoms under control so it does not have a big impact on your life.

Patient Information leaflet