Side Effects of Ipratropium

What is Ipratropium?

Ipratropium is a prescription drug often sold in the form of an inhalant that is used to treat individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Classified as an anticholinergic, Ipratropium prevents the wheezing and difficulty breathing associated with emphysema and bronchitis and relaxes the muscles of the airways. By preventing the constriction that occurs in the bronchial airways, Ipratropium effectively improves the patient's ease of breathing.

Using Ipratropium can cause a number of common side effects including headache, nausea, sore throat, dry mouth and nose, dizziness, cough, sinus infection, flu-like symptoms. Although these side effects are the most common, do not hesitate to contact your doctor if one or several persist or become more bothersome.

According to Drugs.com, there are a number of serious of side effects that may occur as a result of using Ipratropium including blurred vision, irregular urination, nosebleeds and eye pain. In addition, severe allergic reaction to the medication signaled by swelling of the face and throat can also occur. Seek immediate medical attention if any of the side effects from the above list arise.

Be sure to always follow a doctor's prescription specific to your case. Never alter the dose or duration of use. In order to inhale the medication properly, the device should be primed by spraying twice away from the face. Drugs.com reports that the user should first breathe out fully and then place the device to the mouth and inhale for 10 seconds. Closing the eyes while inhaling will prevent the medication from accidentally getting into the eyes. The inhalation device should be stored with the cap on and cleaned once per week.

The use of alcohol can worsen the side effects of dizziness and drowsiness. Use extra caution before you discover how the medication affects you when attempting to drive or operate machinery. Avoid contact with the eyes. Flush eyes immediately with water if contact with Ipratropium occurs. Discuss your use of Ipratropium with your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.