Love our website? We do too. Did you know we're a charity? Donate now to help us keep it free for everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ipratropium

Sounds like 'ip-ra-TRO-pee-um'

Key points about ipratropium

Ipratropium is used to treat breathing problems such as COPD.
Ipratropium is commonly called Atrovent® (inhaler) or Univent® (ampoules for a nebuliser).
Find out how to use it safely and possible side effects.

Midaged woman with bike sits on the sea wall

Print this page

Ipratropium is used to treat cough, wheeze and difficulty breathing caused by respiratory problems such as COPD. Ipratropium used each day will help to reduce these symptoms. It works by opening air passages in your lungs, making breathing easier.

It works as a bronchodilator (opens the airways) and it also works as reliever (to relieve breathing problems)

Using an inhaler device enables the medicine to go straight into your airways when you breathe in. This means that your airways and lungs are treated, but very little of the medicine gets into the rest of your body.

In New Zealand ipratropium is available as an inhaler and nebulising solution. Nebulisers are used when inhalers are not suitable. The information on this page is about ipratropium inhalers. Read more about nebulisers.

The usual dose of ipratropium inhaler is 2 puffs 4 times a day.
If you have severe breathing problems you may use up to 4 puffs at a time. You should not use more than 12 puffs in any 24 hour period.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to use, how often to use it and any special instructions.

Use your MDI with a spacer

A spacer is an attachment to use with your inhaler. It's a chamber that holds the medication before you inhale, giving you a more controlled, deeper inhalation. This can be especially helpful if you are short of breath.
Using your MDI with a spacer makes it easier to use the inhaler and helps to get the medicine into your lungs, where it’s needed (with less medicine ending up in your mouth and throat).
Read more about spacers.

Check your technique

To get the most benefit from your inhaler, it's important to use the correct technique.
Ask your healthcare provider to show you how to use your MDI and spacer devices.
Even if you’ve been shown before, ask your healthcare provider to explain how to use your inhaler if you still have any questions.

The videos below provide some guidance on how to use a spacer with your MDI. Note: Your MDI or spacer may look different to the one in the videos below.

Video: How to use your spacer device

(Healthify He Puna Waiora, & Auckland District Health Board, NZ, 2018)

Video: MDI and spacer

(Asthma Waikato, NZ, 2018)

Like all medicines ipratropium can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Headache Dry mouth Sore throat A change in voice (hoarse voice) A different taste in your mouth Difficulty urinating (peeing)	These may go away with time. If you have problems with a dry mouth, or different taste in your mouth, rinse your mouth after each dose. Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Dizziness Blurred vision	Talk to your doctor. Do not drive or use machinery. Do not drink alcohol.
Constipation (difficulty passing poos) or diarrhoea (runny poos)	Talk to your doctor.
Changes in your heartbeat (fast or irregular)	Tell your doctor immediately or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Difficulty breathing or worsening of your breathing problem	Tell your doctor immediately or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.