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Ipratropium Bromide (Atrovent)
⚠️ Ipratropium bromide can cause eye complications if aerosol/nebuliser mist reaches the eyes. ➡️ Contact with the eye may cause a unilateral dilated pupil, eye pain, and can precipitate acute angle-closure glaucoma.
📖 About
Always check the BNF link here for full details.
- 💨 Short-acting inhaled anticholinergic bronchodilator (SAMA).
- Used in both Asthma and COPD management, especially acute settings.
⚙️ Mechanism of Action
- Blocks muscarinic (M3) receptors in airway smooth muscle → bronchodilation.
- Onset: 30–60 minutes ⏱️.
- Duration: 3–6 hours → typically dosed every 6–8 hours.
🎯 Indications & Dosing
- 🫁 Chronic Asthma/COPD: Ipratropium aerosol 20–40 mcg every 6 hours (max 80 mcg q6h). Onset 30–60 min, lasts ~6 hours.
- 🚨 Acute Asthma / COPD Exacerbation: Ipratropium Bromide (Atrovent) Nebulised 250–500 mcg every 4–6 hours. ⚠️ Use with air in COPD (to avoid CO₂ retention). ⚠️ Use with high-flow oxygen in acute asthma.
⛔ Cautions / Contraindications
- Glaucoma (risk of precipitating acute angle closure 👁️).
- Prostatic hypertrophy / urinary retention risk 💧.
- Care in patients with bladder outflow obstruction or arrhythmias.
⚠️ Side Effects
- Blurred vision, dilated pupils, eye pain 👁️.
- Dry mouth, throat irritation, urinary retention.
- Flushing, tachycardia, palpitations ❤️.
- Headache, constipation.
- Allergic reactions (skin rash, angioedema).
- Rare: paradoxical bronchospasm 🚫.
📚 References
- BNF – Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)
- GINA Asthma Guidelines.
- GOLD COPD Strategy.
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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