Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

IPRATROPIUM NASAL INHALER 0.03%

(ip-ruh-TROW-pee-um)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Atrovent

Uses

This medication is used to treat a runny nose.

How To Use

This is for use in the nose as directed, usually 2 sprays in each nostril 2 to 3 times a day. Do not use this more often or continue using this for longer than prescribed. When first using the nasal inhaler, the bottle must be primed. Remove the clear plastic dust cap and safety clip. Holding it upright and pointing the tip away from the eyes, place the thumb at the bottom of the bottle and the middle and index finger on either side of the nasal tip. Depress the sprayer firmly about seven times until the spray appears. The device will have to be reprimed with 2 pumps if it has not been used for more than a 24 hour period. If the device is not used for more than seven days, prime it again with seven pumps. To use a nasal inhaler, first gently blow your nose to clear the nasal passages. Tilt your head forward, close one nostril by placing a finger against the side and gently insert the tip of the nose piece into the other nostril and point its tip toward the back and outer side of the nostril. Squeeze the bottle to deliver the spray. Sniff deeply in through the nostril then out through the mouth. Tip your head back for a few seconds. Deliver the second spray in this same fashion then repeat this procedure for the other nostril. Replace the cap and safety clip on the bottle. If the sprayer gets clogged, remove the cap and safety clip, dry the tip and run the nasal tip under warm water for one minute. Then dry the nasal tip and replace cap and safety clip. Drink a glass of water or juice after using this to help relieve irritated throat or bad taste in the mouth. Avoid spraying in or near the eyes. Vision may be temporarily blurry and eye pain can occur.

Side Effects

Nasal irritation or burning, dry nose, bloody nose, irritated throat, cough, bad taste in mouth, hoarseness or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects continue or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of the following effects: rash, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, itching, ringing in the ears, rapid heart rate. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma, prostate trouble, any allergies (especially to atropine or other belladonna-like drugs). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known if the nasal form of ipratropium is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription or prescription medication you may take, particularly: antispasmodics (e.g., atropine, clidinium, propantheline), antihistamines (often found in cough/cold preparations), medication for Parkinson's disease. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

This medication usually provides relief of runny nose within one hour. It does not stop sneezing or a stuffy nose. This container is designed to deliver approximately 345 sprays.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light as directed. Keep out of reach of children.