ipratropium bromide at a glance
Medicine class
Short-acting inhaled anticholinergic bronchodilator
Eye protection
Use a mouthpiece where possible, or a closely fitting mask, to keep nebuliser mist out of the eyes.
What is ipratropium bromide used for?
The selected nebuliser products are licensed for:
Reversible bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Reversible airway obstruction in acute or chronic asthma when used with an inhaled beta2 agonist.
In children younger than 5 years, the selected product's asthma indication is limited to acute asthma.
How does ipratropium bromide work?
It blocks muscarinic receptors in airway smooth muscle, reducing acetylcholine-driven airway tightening. Its bronchodilator effect is mainly local within the lungs.
How to take ipratropium bromide
Use only with a suitable nebuliser and follow its instructions and your healthcare professional's training.
Open a fresh single-use vial immediately before use and place the instructed contents in the nebuliser chamber.
Use a mouthpiece where possible. If using a mask, ensure it fits closely and keep mist away from the eyes.
Dilute only if instructed, using sterile sodium chloride 0.9% solution.
If prescribed with a short-acting beta2 agonist, the solutions may be placed in the same chamber and should be used promptly.
Discard leftover solution and clean the nebuliser as directed by its manufacturer.
Do not swallow or inject the solution.
ipratropium bromide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dry mouth
- Cough or throat irritation
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea
- Stomach upset or altered bowel habit
Get urgent medical advice
- Suddenly increased wheezing or breathing difficulty after inhalation
- Severe allergic reaction, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Eye pain, red eye, blurred vision or coloured halos
- Difficulty passing urine
- Fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat
ipratropium bromide in pregnancy
Safety in human pregnancy has not been established. A prescriber should weigh the expected benefit against possible fetal risk; maintaining breathing control during pregnancy is important.
ipratropium bromide while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether ipratropium enters breast milk, although clinically important infant exposure is considered unlikely. Discuss use with a prescriber, particularly if the infant was premature or is unwell.
ipratropium bromide interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about other inhaled and anticholinergic treatments.
Other anticholinergic medicines
Long-term combined use has not been studied and is not recommended because anticholinergic effects may be additive.
Beta2 agonists, such as salbutamol
Bronchodilation may be additive. Simultaneous nebulisation can increase acute-glaucoma risk in susceptible people if mist reaches the eyes.
Xanthines, such as theophylline or aminophylline
The bronchodilator effect may be additive.
Common questions about ipratropium bromide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is ipratropium bromide a steroid?
No. It is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that relaxes airway smooth muscle.
Is it an asthma reliever?
It can open narrowed airways, but the selected nebuliser product is licensed for asthma alongside an inhaled beta2 agonist rather than as a replacement for it.
Can it be mixed with salbutamol?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.