Information to come.

Ipratropium is a bronchodilator and is used to prevent wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and other lung diseases. It relaxes and opens the air passages in the lungs.

Ipratropium should be used as directed by a doctor to minimize symptoms of lung disease.

Dosing will be different for each patient. Always follow your doctor's orders or directions on the label.

Adults and Children over age 12: 1-2 metered doses of Ipratropium are taken 3 to 4 time per day. Additional inhalations may be needed. However, total inhalations should not exceed 12 in 24 hours. When given in nebulizer form, 500 mcg dissolved in normal saline (one unit dose) given every 6 to 8 hours.

Children ages 5-12: 125 to 250 mcg nebulizer solution dissolved in normal saline and given by nebulizer ever 4-6 hours.

Ipratropium comes as a solution and can be nebulized and inhaled, or it can also be given as a metered dose inhaler.

For best results, metered-dose inhalers should be used with holding chambers. To view instructions with a diagram on how to use a metered-dose inhaler, click on the following link: http://msrcnet.com/Resources/Pt_Ed/InhalerUse.asp

To use Ipratropium solution in a nebulizer:

Place the medication into the nebulizer medication cup. Insert tubing into the bottom of the nebulizer cup and attach the other end to the nebulizer compressor. Turn the nebulizer compressor on and breath on the mouthpiece of the nebulizer cup, keeping your chin up. The nebulizer cup will sputter when medication is nearly done, at this time tap the side of the nebulizer gently to get the last of the dose.

If you forget to take a dose of medication, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular doing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects from Ipratropium are not common, but they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nervousness
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• upset stomach
• constipation
• cough
• dry mouth or throat irritation
• skin rash
• blurred vision

If you experience either of the following symptoms, call you doctor immediately:

• increased difficulty breathing
• heart palpitations

Do not use Ipratropium to relieve an asthma attack that has already started; continue to use the medication prescribed for your acute attacks. Always inform each of your doctors of all medications you use, prescription and non-prescription. Do not let anyone else use your medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Store the unused vials of solution in the foil pack they came in. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. For optimal results, the Ipratropium metered dose inhaler canister should be at room temperature before use. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Avoid puncturing the aerosol container and do not discard it in an incinerator or fire.