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Ipratropium
If you suffer from a runny nose or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, your healthcare provider may prescribe ipratropium. The medication works to relieve symptoms of these conditions by decreasing the fluid production in the nasal passages and by opening up the airways to the lungs. A few side effects of ipratropium include sinus infections, upper respiratory infections, and dry mouth.
Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent®) is a prescription medication used to treat a variety of conditions. It comes in the following forms:
- Ipratropium HFA inhaler, for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (see What Is Ipratropium HFA Inhaler Used For?)
- Ipratropium inhalation solution (used in a nebulizer), for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (see What Is Ipratropium Bromide Inhalation Solution Used For?)
- Ipratropium nasal spray, for the treatment of a runny nose (see What Is Ipratropium Nasal Spray Used For?).
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with ipratropium. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
- Upper respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold)
- Sinus infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs or bladder infections)
- Dry mouth.
(For more information, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider, see:
- Side Effects of Ipratropium HFA Inhaler
- Side Effects of Ipratropium Bromide Inhalation Solution
- Side Effects of Ipratropium Nasal Spray.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD