Ipratropium and Albuterol Inhaler (Cont.)

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of the Ipratropium and Albuterol Inhaler?

If you do not take your ipratropium and albuterol inhaler as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

How Does the Ipratropium and Albuterol Inhaler Work?

The albuterol component of the ipratropium and albuterol inhaler belongs to a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short. Beta agonists stimulate beta receptors in the body, including those on the muscles around the airways. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which opens up the airways and allows more air into and out of the lungs.
 
The other component of the ipratropium and albuterol inhaler (ipratropium) belongs to a group of medications known as anticholinergics or antimuscarinics. By binding to specific receptors in the airways, called muscarinic receptors, ipratropium helps to relax the smooth muscle of the airways to allow more air into and out of the lungs.
 

Effects of the Ipratropium and Albuterol Inhaler

Studies have compared the ipratropium and albuterol inhaler to its two components used separately in people with COPD. These studies have shown that the combination drug improved lung function more than when either ipratropium or albuterol were used alone. Also, the ipratropium and albuterol inhaler began working within 15 minutes, and its effects lasted about four to five hours, on average.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;