Ipratropium bromide

Hypratropium bromide is an anticholinergic drug (or muscarinic receptor antagonist) with bronchodilator activity.

It is available in the form of pharmaceutical formulations suitable for inhalation administration (in particular, it is in the form of a nasal spray and in the form of a nebuliser solution).

Examples of medicinal specialties containing Ipratropium bromide

Atem ®
Breva ®
Naos ®

Indications

For what it uses

Ipratropium Bromide - Chemical Structure

The use of ipratropium bromide as a nebuliser solution is indicated for the treatment of:

Bronchial asthma symptoms;
Symptoms of chronic bronchitis, with or without pulmonary emphysema.

The hypratropium bromide in the form of nasal spray, on the other hand, is used in the treatment of rhinorrhea in patients suffering from both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.

Warnings

Hypratropium bromide should be administered with great caution in patients with coronary heart disease and heart disease. Therefore, if you suffer from any of these diseases, you must inform your doctor before starting treatment with ipratropium bromide.

Due to the side effects that can occur, ipratropium bromide should never come into contact with the eyes.

If you notice a worsening of the pathology for which the hypratropium bromide has been prescribed, you must contact a doctor immediately.

Although rarely, hypratropium bromide can cause side effects that can alter the ability to drive and / or operate machinery, therefore, great care must be taken.

Interactions

Concomitant administration of hypratropium bromide and β-adrenergic receptor agonist drugs (such as, for example, salbutamol, formoterol or salmeterol) or methylxanthines (such as, for example, theophylline and aminophylline) may cause an increase in bronchodilation induced by the same ipratropium. This could lead to an increased risk of side effects.

In any case, you must tell your doctor if you are taking - or have recently been taken - drugs of any kind, including non-prescription medicines and herbal and homeopathic products.

Side effects

Hypratropium bromide can cause various side effects, although not all patients experience them. This depends on the different sensitivity that each individual has towards the drug. Therefore, it is not said that the undesirable effects occur all with the same intensity in each person.

The following are the main adverse effects that can occur during ipratropium bromide therapy.

Disorders of the oral cavity

During treatment with hypratropium bromide, dry mouth is a very common side effect.

Cardiac disorders

Therapy with ipratropium bromide can cause abnormal heart rhythm.

Nervous system disorders

Treatment with ipratropium bromide may promote the onset of dizziness and drowsiness.

Eye disorders

The therapy based on ipratropium bromide can cause mydriasis (dilation of the pupil) and visual disturbances, such as difficulty in focusing images and blurred vision.

Other side effects

Other side effects that may occur during treatment with ipratropium bromide are:

Allergic reactions, even serious, in sensitive subjects;
Paradoxical bronchospasm;
Urinary retention;
Constipation.

Overdose

If you suspect you have taken an overdose of ipratropium bromide, you must contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital.

Action mechanism

Hypratropium bromide is a non-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist.

There are M3 muscarinic receptors on the bronchial smooth muscle which - once activated by their endogenous substrate (acetylcholine) - are responsible for bronchoconstriction.

Hypratropium bromide, therefore, acts by antagonizing the aforementioned receptors and is therefore able to induce bronchodilation.

Method of use and dosage

As mentioned, ipratropium bromide is available as a nebuliser solution and in the form of a nasal spray.

Regardless of the type of pharmaceutical formulation used and the type of disease to be treated, it is essential to scrupulously follow the instructions given by the doctor during the hypratropium bromide therapy, both as regards the amount of medicine to be taken and the frequency of administration and duration of the same treatment.

Below are some indications on the doses of ipratropium bromide usually used in therapy.

Treatment of bronchial asthma symptoms and chronic bronchitis, with or without emphysema

For the treatment of bronchial asthma symptoms and chronic bronchitis, with or without emphysema, the ipratropium bromide-based nebuliser solution is used.

In adults and adolescents over 14 years of age, the dose of ipratropium bromide usually used is 0.5 mg, to be taken 2-4 times a day. An interval of at least two hours must elapse between one inhalation and another.