Ipratropium: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking
ipratropium bromide (
Atrovent®) if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Some Precautions and Warnings With Ipratropium
Some warnings and precautions to be aware of with ipratropium include the following:
- Ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication. As with all anticholinergic medications, ipratropium can worsen glaucoma, bladder problems, and prostate problems. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking ipratropium if you have any of these problems.
- Ipratropium is not a fast-acting medication and cannot replace fast-acting rescue inhalers. Let your healthcare provider know if ipratropium is not adequately controlling your breathing problems.
- Sometimes inhaled medications (including ipratropium) can make breathing problems worse. Let your healthcare provider know if ipratropium seems to make your breathing problems worse.
- Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you have any vision or eye changes while taking ipratropium.
- Ipratropium can interact with other medications (see Drug Interactions With Ipratropium).
- Ipratropium is considered a pregnancy Category B medication. This means that ipratropium is probably safe to use during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using ipratropium during pregnancy.
- It is not known if ipratropium passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about using ipratropium.
