Chem mart Ipratropium

Generic Name: Ipratropium bromide
Product Name: Chem mart Ipratropium

Indication

Chem mart Ipratropium can be used in the treatment of mild to severe asthma attacks related to a number of causes including allergy. It is also used in the maintenance treatment of chronic asthma and the treatment of asthma in patients with decreased cardiac function.
Ipratropium is also useful for the treatment of other causes of airway spasm not related to asthma including:
– chronic obstructive bronchitis
– bronchospasm during or after surgery

Action

Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic bronchodilator. Acetylcholine is a chemical that moderates the constriction of the muscles lining the airways. Anticholinergic agents work to block the action of acetylcholine thereby resulting in relaxation of those muscles. This results in dilation of the airways, relieving the symptoms of asthma. Ipratropium begins to have an effect in 3-5 minutes, having its peak of activity at 1.5-2 hours and lasting up to six hours.

Dose advice

Adults
– 250-500mcg should be diluted to 2-3ml with normal saline and nebulised until entire volume has been inhaled
– repeat every six hours
– dose should be determined based on severity of symptoms
– if necessary, inhalation may be repeated after two hours
Children <12
– 250mcg diluted to 2-3ml with normal saline and nebulised until entire volume has been inhaled
– repeat every six hours
Chem mart Ipratropium can be used with a range of commercially available nebulising devices. These should be set at a rate or 4-6L/minute where wall oxygen is available.
Solutions of Ipratropium must be freshly made up for each dose, with any remainder discarded and cleared from nebuliser.
If doses exceeding 2mg daily in adults or 1mg daily in children are required, they should be given under medical supervision.
Medical advice should immediately be sought if the response to the medication is inadequate.

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

– headache
– nausea
– dry mouth
– throat irritation
– cough

Uncommon side effects

– palpitations
– slowing of intestinal motility (resulting in constipation)
– urinary retention
Patients predisposed to glaucoma (raised pressure inside the eyes) must look out for the following symptoms, which require immediate medical attention:
– eye pain or discomfort
– blurred vision
– visual haloes or coloured images
– red eye(s)

Â

For further information talk to your doctor.