What Atrovent?

Atrovent is a brand owned by Boehringer Ingelheim, a known German company. The active agent is Ipratropium bromide. The same substance is also sold under other names when it is produced by other pharmaceutical companies. For instance, at our drugstore, you can buy Atrovent made by the reputable Indian generic-making company Cipla and sold under the name Aerovent.

The formulation is supplied in the form of an inhaler. It is appointed for:

- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);

- Asthma with/without accompanying diseases of the heart or blood vessels.

The active agent of the formulation suppresses constriction of the bronchi as a response to irritants. The expansion occurs mainly due to the local anticholinergic effect. Atrovent prevents the narrowing of the bronchi as a response to exposure to cigarette smoke, cold air, and other irritants, and also inhibits suffocation caused by the effect of the vagus nerves.

The formulation doesn't render any negative effect on the heart because its amount in the circulating blood is minimal.

In patients with bronchospasm due to COPD, a significant improvement in lung function (raise in forced expiratory volume and average forced expiratory flow rate of by 15% or more) starts to manifest just in 15 minutes after the inhalation; the maximum effect is achieved after one to two hours and lasts up to six hours.

In asthma, a significant improvement in lung function is observed in 40% of patients.

When Atrovent must not be used?

In some cases, even if an individual has the indications for the inhaler use, it must not be used as the risks of harm to the body are greater than the benefits.

You must not buy generic Atrovent and use it in:

- Hypersensitivity to the components of the formulation;

- Pregnancy (I trimester);

- Kids under 6 years of age.

Pregnancy and lactation

It must not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy; the appointment of the formulation is possible in the II-III trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding only if the expected benefit of therapy surpasses the potential risk to the fetus or child.

What adverse effects can Atrovent cause?

Since only a small fraction of the medication is found in the bloodstream, the negative effects related to systemic anticholinergics, such as irregular or rapid heartbeat, disturbances in accommodation, decreased secretion of sweat glands, and others are rare and are reversible. Nevertheless, individuals with obstructive urinary tract infections are at high risk for urinary retention.

As with other inhalation therapy, incl. bronchodilators, cough is sometimes observed, less often - paradoxical bronchospasm.

In rare cases, allergic reactions can occur, including urticaria, swelling of the face or respiratory ways, rash, oropharyngeal swelling and anaphylaxis.

There are a few reports of complications from the eyes (dilated pupil, elevated fluid pressure inside the eye, eye pain) when it is combined with beta2-agonists or when the formulation gets into the eyes.

Adverse effects of Atrovent by frequency of occurrence. Placebo-controlled 12 week trial.

Interactions of Aerovent

If you want to buy Aerovent and use it with other medicines, consult your doctor first. The possible interactions are:

- It strengthens the extending of the bronchi due to the effect of beta-adrenergic agonists and xanthine derivatives.

- The medication enhances the cholinolytic effect of other drugs.

How is Atrovent used?

If you have never used inhalers, you should consult a doctor on the use of the device to be sure that you use it correctly.

Metered-dose inhaler can be used in individuals older than 6 years of age by 2 doses of aerosol four times a day, if needed, the dose can be raised to 12 inhalations per day.

Overdose of Aerovent

There is a low risk of overdose because due to the method of use, a small part of the medication is found in the bloodstream. Minor manifestations of a systemic anticholinergic action are possible, such as dry mouth, adaptation disturbance or rapid heart rate. Measures to cope with the symptoms are used.

Precautions for Atrovent use

- Even though the formulation is considered quite safe, you should be cautious when you buy Aerovent, especially, if you have any health conditions mentioned below. - It is not advised to exceed the established daily dose, both with short-term and long-term use of the formulation.

- With caution, the formulation should be used in individuals with angle-closure glaucoma and urination disorders due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. - If the medication gets into the eyes of an individual with angle-closure glaucoma, a rise in intraocular pressure can occur.

- If during the use of the formulation you start developing any negative effects associated with the eyes or vision, stop using the inhaler immediately and consult your doctor.

- If in several weeks of the inhaler use the condition is not improved or even aggravated, you should stop using the inhaler and consult your doctor about a change in your therapy. If a sharp and severe aggravation occurs, seek emergency help.

- For children, the dosage aerosol should be prescribed only after the recommendation of a doctor and under the supervision of adults.

- The formulation is not intended for urgent relief of an asthma attack as its effect develops insufficiently fast. For acute attacks, your doctor needs to prescribe you short-acting inhalers.

- Individuals with cystic fibrosis have a higher likelihood of developing a decrease in digestive tract motility.

- There are different versions of the inhaler – with Freon and Freon-free. If you use a different type of the formulation you can notice that the taste is different. But do not worry, it is normal. The taste is not related to the safety and effectiveness of the new medication.

Free prescription
Our doctor prescribes online for free, and there is no doctor’s consultation fee.

Discrete packaging
All orders arrive in discrete unmarked parcels. We leave the shipment description blank.

For more answers see the FAQ section