Atrovent

What is Atrovent?

Atrovent is a short-acting bronchodilator inhaler that contains the active ingredient ipratropium bromide. It belongs to a group of medications called antimuscarinics, which work by affecting the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for involuntary actions in various areas of your body, such as the GI tract, urinary tract and, most importantly for people with COPD, the lungs.^[1]

COPD causes your lungs to become inflamed and damaged,^[2]
narrowing your airways and disrupting your breathing. Although COPD covers several lung conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, the symptoms are usually interchangeable and often involve wheezing, breathlessness and coughing.

Atrovent can be used throughout the day to ease these symptoms, helping you go about your daily routine more comfortably. It’s free from CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) which make it a great choice if you’re concerned about the impact your inhaler use has on the environment.

How does Atrovent work?

Ipratropium bromide, the active ingredient in Atrovent, is an antimuscarinic drug. It blocks acetylcholine receptors in your airways. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that sends messages to different parts of your body, such as your lungs. It plays a role in normal muscle function and mucus production.

In patients with COPD-related conditions such as chronic bronchitis, too much acetylcholine can be a problem. It binds to airway receptors, triggering smooth muscle contraction and hypersecretion of mucus (meaning your body is producing too much of it).^[3]

Antimuscarinics like Atrovent work by stopping the normal action of acetylcholine on your body, specifically the effect it has on your respiratory system. By reducing airway smooth muscle contraction and relaxing these muscles, Atrovent allows your airways to open up and helps you to breathe easier.

What doses does Atrovent come in?

Atrovent comes in a 20 mcg per dose, actuation pressurised inhaler. The usual recommended dose is one or two puffs, inhaled three or four times a day. Sometimes, in early COPD treatment or if a clinician thinks it could help you, the inhaler can be used up to four puffs at a time.

You should always use your inhaler as prescribed. Atrovent is a short-acting treatment that controls COPD symptoms, and will provide relief over the course of a day. If you feel like you need more immediate relief for chest tightness or wheezing, speak to your clinician. It could be that you need another medication to improve your breathing, such as salbutamol (which is typically used as an asthma reliever inhaler) or a treatment that combines two or more types of medication.

How to Use Atrovent

You should always use your treatment as prescribed. The mouthpiece of your Atrovent inhaler is designed specially for use with this medication only. You should avoid using any other mouthpieces, like those found on other inhalers.

1. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece
2. Hold the inhaler with the arrow on the label pointing upwards and breathe out
3. Put your lips around the mouthpiece of the inhaler
4. Press the top of your inhaler and release one puff of your medication
5. Keep breathing in, holding your breath as long as possible (usually for at least 10 seconds)
6. Slowly breathe out. If you need to use another puff, wait for a minute and repeat steps 2-6

If you find using the inhaler difficult in any way, such as breathing in and pressing the inhaler at the same time, a spacer might help you. Spacers are devices (usually plastic) you insert your inhaler into. They hold the medicine until you’re ready to breathe it in.

What should I do if I make a mistake taking Atrovent?

Your Atrovent inhaler is designed to deliver 200 puffs. That’s usually around 3-4 weeks of treatment if you’re using it regularly. When the inhaler is empty, there might still be a small amount of fluid left in the container. You’ll need to make sure you replace your inhaler when you need a new one, so you don’t mistake the leftover fluid for a dose of medication.

If you forget to take your inhaler, use it as soon as you remember. Don’t use a double dose to make up for the one you missed. If you’ve used your Atrovent inhaler too much, seek immediate medical attention. Take any other inhalers you use with you, so whoever is helping you has a clear picture of your treatment routine.