Uses

What is nasal ipratropium used for?

Nasal ipratropium is commonly used to relieve symptoms from a runny nose that is caused by the common cold, allergies, or a condition that causes symptoms like allergies, called nonallergic rhinitis.

Nasal ipratropium may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Ipratropium is also available as an inhaler or a solution for use in a nebulizer. See Ipratropium inhaled for more information.

How does nasal ipratropium work (mechanism of action)?

Nasal ipratropium works to reduce the amount of liquid and mucus (secretions) produced in the nose, which may help with a runny nose.

How is nasal ipratropium supplied (dosage forms)?

Nasal ipratropium is available in the following dosage forms that are sprayed into the nose. 

  • 21 mcg/spray as a 0.03% nasal solution
  • 42 mcg/spray as a 0.06% nasal solution

How should I store nasal ipratropium?

Nasal ipratropium solution should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Do not freeze. Keep tightly closed. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of nasal ipratropium?

The most common side effects of nasal ipratropium nasal are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Bloody nose
  • Dry nose
  • Dry throat or mouth 
  • Headache
  • Cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and cough
  • Change in how things taste

There may be other side effects of nasal ipratropium that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of nasal ipratropium?

While less common, the most serious side effects of nasal ipratropium nasal are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nasal ipratropium nasal can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using nasal ipratropium and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use nasal ipratropium?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use nasal ipratropium.

  • Atrovent
  • Ipratropium
  • Atropine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific nasal ipratropium products they stock.

What should I know about nasal ipratropium before using it?

Do not use nasal ipratropium unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share nasal ipratropium with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep nasal ipratropium out of the reach of children.

Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how nasal ipratropium affects you.

Avoid getting nasal ipratropium in your eyes. If nasal ipratropium accidently gets into your eyes, flush them with cool water for several minutes. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get nasal ipratropium in your eyes and you have eye pain or blurry vision.

Follow the instructions for use when using nasal ipratropium for the first time or when you haven’t used it in more than 24 hours. The medicine needs to be primed, so you get the correct dose.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using nasal ipratropium?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if nasal ipratropium is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following before using nasal ipratropium.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Narrow angle glaucoma
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Problems peeing or bladder blockage
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Nasal ipratropium may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using nasal ipratropium, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how nasal ipratropium could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use nasal ipratropium while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Nasal ipratropium may pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use nasal ipratropium while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does nasal ipratropium interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between nasal ipratropium and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect nasal ipratropium. 

Does nasal ipratropium interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any other anticholinergic medication, which includes antihistamines and certain medicines for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, stomach problems, motion sickness, and others.

Does Ipratropium nasal interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much nasal ipratropium?

If you or someone else has used too much nasal ipratropium, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of nasal ipratropium?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. 

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