Atrovent is a short-acting antimuscarinic bronchodilator inhaler that treats COPD by relaxing the airways in your lungs. It can be used throughout the day and eases symptoms such as breathlessness and wheezing.
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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 patients with COPD, the lungs.
COPD causes your lungs to become inflamed and damaged, 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. 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).
Antimuscarinics such as 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 it, it allows your airways to open up and helps you to breathe easier.
What doses does Atrovent come in?
Atrovent comes in a 20mcg 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 decides it would benefit 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, let one of our clinicians know. It could be that you need another medication to improve your breathing, such as salbutamol (which is typically used as an asthma reliever inhaler).
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to Use Atrovent
You should always use your treatment as originally prescribed to you. 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.
Remove the cap from the mouthpiece
Hold the inhaler with the arrow on the label pointing upwards and breathe out
Put your lips around the mouthpiece of the inhaler
Press the top of your inhaler and release one puff of your medication
Keep breathing in, holding your breath as long as possible (usually for 10 seconds)
Slowly breathe out. If you are having 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 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, you can use it as soon as you remember. There’s no need to double dose to make up for the one you missed. If you know you’ve used your Atrovent too much, seek immediate medical attention by going to hospital right away. Take any other inhalers you use with you, so whoever is helping you has a clear picture of your treatment routine.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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FAQ: Atrovent
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Are there any medications similar to Atrovent?
Answer:
There’s no one right way to treat COPD. It’s an umbrella term that covers different conditions that affect the lungs and airways, so what works for one person might not be quite right for you.
Combivent UDVs are delivered via a nebuliser (a device that delivers medication as a fine mist) that contains two ingredients that help open up your airways. Like Atrovent, it also contains ipratropium but combines it with salbutamol, a short acting beta 2 agonist which you might recognise as being a reliever inhaler for asthma sufferers.
Ultra long acting beta agonists (ultra-LABAs) such as Onbrez Breezhaler are also prescribed for patients with severe asthma, and treat COPD symptoms as well. All of these medications are classed as bronchodilators, and can help with wheezing, phlegm and shortness of breath. Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers are usually the first treatment used for most people with COPD.
Do I need another inhaler alongside Atrovent?
Answer:
If you feel like your COPD symptoms aren’t being kept in check, let one of our clinicians know.
There are lots of reasons why this might be the case — it could be that you’re a smoker and you haven’t yet quit, or that you need to improve the amount of exercise you get. Incorrect inhaler technique has also shown to have an impact on the effectiveness of COPD medication. You might be prescribed another separate inhaler, or a different one that combines two active ingredients.
Will Atrovent cause any side effects?
Answer:
Common side effects of using Atrovent include headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea or an upset stomach. They affect less than 1 in 10 people though, so it could be that you don’t experience any side effects at all.
If you get an uncommon reaction from using this medication, such as tightness of the chest or swelling of the throat, stop using the medication and seek urgent medical attention.
What does CFC-Free mean?
Answer:
CFC-free inhalers don’t contain any chlorofluorocarbons, chemicals that are often used as propellants to help medication to reach your lungs. CFCs are known to be ozone depleting substances.
If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, then using an inhaler like Atrovent means you’re making a greener choice.
Why should I buy Atrovent online with Treated?
Answer:
We understand that COPD symptoms can be hard to keep on top of, and we take the condition as seriously as you do. As well as expert advice from clinicians about how to stay on top of your condition, we’ll work with you to choose a medication that will improve your daily life and ease your symptoms.
If you’re satisfied with your treatment and feel like it’s doing its job, we’ll take care of your next order by sending it out to you automatically through our subscription service. That way, you don’t have to worry about not having your medication on hand when you need it. Our online messaging service also means you can reach out to us with questions whenever you want.
We’re always listening, so if there’s anything more you think we can do for your health, just let us know.
“The Use of Multiple Respiratory Inhalers Requiring Different Inhalation Techniques Has an Adverse Effect on COPD Outcomes.” International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, vol. Volume 12, Dec. 2016, pp. 59–71, www.dovepress.com/the-use-of-multiple-respiratory-inhalers-requiring-different-inhalatio-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-COPD#T1,
“What Would Have Happened to the Ozone Layer If Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) Had Not Been Regulated?” Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, vol. 9, no. 6, 23 Mar. 2009, pp. 2113–2128, noa.gwlb.de/receive/cop_mods_00045915,
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
