Inhalers for Asthma

Atrovent HFA

Atrovent

Atrovent

The drug Atrovent HFA is also known under a generic name of Ipratropium Inhalation.

The drug Ipratropium is a bronchodilator, the action of which contributes to the muscles relaxation in the airways. It increases the air flow into the lungs. Within people suffering from emphysema, bronchitis and COPD, Atrovent HFA is prescribed for the bronchospasm prevention and the narrowing of the respiratory tract.

If you are allergic to Atropine or Ipratropium, then you should not use these medications. If you have problems with urination or glaucoma, inform your doctor before using Atrovent HFA.

You should take into account that Ipratropium does not act fast to treat already begun attacks of bronchospasm.

If you are allergic to any components of the drug, then you must not take this drug. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with urination or narrow-angle glaucoma before taking the drug Atrovent HFA.

In general, the drug can’t bring any harm to an unborn baby, but you should tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant, if you are pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. The effect of this medication on a breastfeeding child has not been studied. Without medical advice from your doctor, do not give this medication to your child.

Method of Application

To treat the already begun bronchospasm, use only high-speed inhalation medications. Check the work of the inhaler if you have not used it for more than three days. You should clean the inhaler once a week, following the instructions for using the inhaler that are attached to the medication.

The inhaler is equipped with a dose indicator, which is green and red. When 40 doses remain in the inhaler, the dose indicator turns red. Try to get the drug prescription from your doctor before the device becomes completely empty. Use only the inhaler filled with the medication.

If you observe that your health condition and symptoms worsen, or you think that your medication does not work, then immediately consult your doctor.

Store the drug at room temperature in a dry, dark, cool place, away from children. Try to keep the drug away from the heat and it should be covered with a lid. When the dose indicator shows zero, then do not use the inhaler anymore and throw it away.

Side Effects

If you have any of the following allergy symptoms, seek medical help immediately: shortness of breath, rashes, swelling of the face or throat.

Call your doctor and stop using this medication if you are observing the following symptoms: eye problems, pain in the eyes; the occurrence of bronchospasm after taking the medication, problems with urination, pain when urinating; worsening of the symptoms of your disease.

Other common side effects include: runny nose, coughing, dry mouth, hoarseness; dizziness and severe headache; back pain; hard stomach ache, constipation, nausea; flu symptoms, fever, body pain, chills.

The list of the side effects is not detailed. To find out more information about possible side effects, which may occur while taking Atrovent HFA, ask your doctor about them and discuss with the doctor all potential risks and the safety of the drug for you.

During your treatment with Atrovent HFA, tell your doctor about all the medications you use and about those you start or stop using. Never change the medication dosage yourself, only your doctor can prescribe it to you. Consult your doctor about the substances and medications that may adversely affect the drug Atrovent HFA, and do not take them during treatment.

Comparison

See Also

Ipratropium

Ipratropium

The medication Ipratropium Bromide is a drug, intended for the bronchospasm prevention and narrowing lungs airways, thus improving breathing problems within patients, suffering from COPD or emphysema.

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