Ipratropium
Also known as: Atrovent
What it's for
Ipratropium opens your airways by relaxing the muscles around them. It is used for COPD and sometimes asthma. It works differently from salbutamol.
Comes as: Inhaler or nebules
How to take it
- Inhaler: Usually 1 or 2 puffs 3 or 4 times a day.
- Nebules: As prescribed, usually 3 or 4 times daily.
- Can be used alongside other inhalers.
- Effects last about 4 to 6 hours.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Constipation
- Fast heartbeat
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Do not get the spray in your eyes - it can affect vision temporarily
- Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or prostate problems
- Drink plenty of fluids if you have a dry mouth
- Use a spacer if you have trouble with the inhaler technique
Get medical help urgently if…
- You get the spray in your eyes and have eye pain or blurred vision
- You have difficulty passing urine
- Your breathing gets worse despite treatment
- You have a very fast or irregular heartbeat
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.