Atrovent

Atrovent is an inhaler used to manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It first became available in the EU in 1969 and has since become one of the most commonly prescribed inhalers.

It is a preventer inhaler, which means you use it daily to help manage your symptoms. It is not a reliever inhaler like salbutamol, which you use when your asthma symptoms suddenly get worse.

Atrovent is available as a CFC-free inhaler, a type of aerosol inhaler which is less damaging to the environment.

Atrovent inhalers contain ipratropium bromide. It is a type of asthma medicine called an anticholinergic, which acts as a bronchodilator.

Asthma symptoms are caused by your airways becoming inflamed and restricted. Atrovent works by blocking certain nerve signals that tighten the airway muscles.

Doing so helps open the airways, preventing symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.

Studies have shown that Atrovent is an effective asthma treatment. One study showed that ipratropium bromide improved lung function, resulting in fewer serious adverse events, fewer trips to the hospital, and improved quality of life.

You should start to notice improvements in your symptoms in 15-30 minutes. The full benefits will appear 1-2 hours after use.

Atrovent is safe to take for most adults with asthma or COPD.

Some people should consult their doctor before using Atrovent. This is because they may be at a higher risk of side effects. This includes people who:

• have bladder outlet obstruction (a condition where urine flow is restricted)
• have an enlarged prostate
• are susceptible to angle-closure glaucoma (a type of glaucoma where the iris prevents fluid from draining from the eye)
• have cystic fibrosis
• are breastfeeding

If you have any other medical condition or take any other medicine, you should consult your doctor before using Atrovent.

Atrovent is available as an inhaler which releases 20 mcg per puff.

Usually, you will take 1 or 2 puffs, 3-4 times a day, to manage asthma symptoms. How much you need to take depends on the situation, your specific treatment plan & instructions from your doctor.

Do not use more than your doctor has told you. If you feel that your inhaler is not working as well as usual, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. You may need your treatment changed.

You must use Atrovent correctly. You should also follow the asthma action plan from your doctor to reduce the risk of asthma attacks.

If you are not sure how to use your inhaler, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. You may want to practice in front of the mirror the first few times.

How to use an Atrovent Inhaler
	Sit upright and shake the inhaler 4-5 times. Hold the inhaler upright with your thumb on the base, and remove the cap from the mouthpiece.
	Breathe out as far as is comfortable; do not breathe in yet.
	Place the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and close your lips around it. Breathe in through your mouth. Just after starting to breathe in, press down on the top of the canister to release a puff of the medicine.
	Keep breathing in steadily and deeply. Hold your breath and take the inhaler from your mouth. Continue holding your breath for as long as it is comfortable. Then, breathe out slowly. If you have to take another puff, wait 1 minute and repeat steps 2-7.

You should test your inhaler before using it for the first time, or if it has not been used for 3 days or more. Spray it twice in the air before using it.

Like all prescription medicines, Atrovent may cause side effects. The most common side effects should go away on their own once your body gets used to the medicine.

Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 people):

• headache
• constipation
• cough
• dizziness
• arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
• nausea
• dry mouth

Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any persistent or serious side effects, such as heart palpitations, or signs of an allergic reaction (e.g. swelling or sudden difficulties breathing).

For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet (PIL).

No, Atrovent inhalers are not available without a prescription. Our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects

No, Atrovent and Ventolin are different types of inhalers. Unlike Atrovent, Salbutamol (Ventolin) is a reliever inhaler, so you only need to use it when your symptoms get worse. You need to use Atrovent every day to manage your symptoms.