What is this medication for?
Ipratropium nasal spray comes in 2 strengths that are used for different purposes. The 0.03% strength is used to relieve rhinorrhea (runny nose) caused by allergic and non-allergic perennial rhinitis. The 0.06% strength is used to treat rhinorrhea caused by the common cold or seasonal allergic rhinitis. The medication works by stopping mucus glands in the nose from overproducing the watery mucus that leads to a runny nose.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Atrovent® is available as:
- nasal spray
- 0.03% (0.021 mg per spray)
- 0.06% (0.042 mg per spray)
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The dose of ipratropium 0.03% nasal spray for perennial allergies is 2 sprays per nostril 2 or 3 times per day in adults and children over 6 years old.
The dose of ipratropiun 0.06% for relief of rhinorrhea due to the common cold is 2 sprays per nostril 3 or 4 times per day in adults and children aged 12 years and older. The recommended dose of ipratropium 0.06% for children aged 5 to 11 years is 2 sprays per nostril 3 times daily. This medication has only been studied for up to 4 days of use for relief of rhinorrhea due to the common cold.
The dose of ipratropium 0.06% for symptomatic relief of runny nose associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis is 2 sprays per nostril 4 times daily for adults and children aged 5 years and older. This medication has only been studied for up to 3 weeks of use for relief of rhinorrhea associated with seasonal allergies.
Avoid spraying this medication into your eyes.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you:
- are allergic to ipratropium bromide or any ingredients of the medication
- are allergic to atropinics (atropine or related medications)