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What is Atrovent inhalation
 Atrovent
inhalation is used to prevent bronchospasm. By preventing
narrowing of the airways, Atrovent increases air flow to the
lungs.
Atrovent
inhalation is used to treat lung diseases such as chronic
bronchitis, emphysema, and sometimes asthma.
Atrovent
inhalation may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
General medical information about Atrovent inhalation
Do not use Atrovent inhalation if you have a soya
lecithin allergy (e.g., an allergy to soybeans or peanuts).
Atrovent inhalation is not intended for use during
acute bronchospastic attacks (asthma attacks or difficulty
breathing). It may not be able to open your airways and
allow you to breath. Atrovent is better used to prevent
these attacks.
It is very important that you use
your Atrovent inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets
into your lungs. You doctor may want you to use a spacer
with your inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler
use.
Seek medical attention if you notice that you
require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount
of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased
need for medication could be an early sign of a serious
asthma attack.
Who should not use Atrovent inhalation Do not use Atrovent inhalation if you have a soya
lecithin allergy (e.g., soybeans or peanuts).
Before
using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
-
glaucoma (narrow angle), which may get worse if you use
Atrovent; or
- an enlarged prostate or a bladder
obstruction, which also may get worse if you use Atrovent.
You may not be able to use Atrovent inhalation, or
you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during
treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.
Atrovent inhalation is in the FDA pregnancy category
B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby.
Do not, however, use Atrovent inhalation without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known
whether Atrovent passes into breast milk. Do not use Atrovent
inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Atrovent inhalation is not
approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.
How should you use Atrovent inhalation Use Atrovent inhalation exactly as directed by your
doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask
your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece.
Breathe out fully and place your lips around the mouthpiece.
Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister.
Hold your breath for several seconds, then exhale slowly.
Rinse your mouth after each use of the inhaler.
It is very important that you use your Atrovent inhaler
properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Your
doctor may want you to use a spacer with your inhaler. Talk
to your doctor about proper inhaler use.
Seek medical
attention if you notice that you require more than your
usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication
in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could
be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
Keep
your inhaler clean and dry. Keep the mouthpiece capped to
avoid getting dirt inside it. Clean your inhaler once a
day by removing the canister and mouthpiece and immersing
it in warm water or alcohol. Allow the parts to dry, then
reassemble the inhaler.
Store Atrovent inhalation
at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose,
skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do
not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: An overdose of this medication is unlikely to threaten
life. If you suspect that a very large dose has been taken,
call your doctor or poison control center for advice. No
symptoms of an Atrovent inhalation overdose have been reported
in the past.
What should you avoid while using Atrovent inhalation Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this
happens, rinse your eyes with water.
Possible side effects of Atrovent inhalation If you experience either of the following serious
side effects, stop using Atrovent inhalation and seek emergency
medical attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives); or
- a racing heart rate.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely
to occur. Continue to use Atrovent inhalation and talk to
your doctor if you experience
- headache or dizziness;
- dry mouth, cough, or hoarseness;
- nausea,
vomiting, or constipation; or
- blurred vision.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Atrovent inhalation The following drugs may increase the side effects
of Atrovent:
- atropine,
- belladonna,
-
clidinium (Donnatal),
- dicyclimine (Quarzan),
-
popantheline (ProBanthine),
- mepenzolate (Cantil),
- methantheline (Banthine),
- methscopolamine
(Pamine), and
- scopolamine (Transderm-Scop).
Before using Atrovent inhalation, tell your doctor if you
are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Atrovent
inhalation or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines. |
