Ipratropium Bromide Treatment for Asthma

Ipratropium Bromide, also known as Atrovent, is used in the treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These diseases cause narrowing of the airway, wheezing and shortness of breath, and can be life threatening. Asthma causes inflammation and narrowing of the airway as the result of an allergic reaction to environmental pollutants, exercise, stress, temperature and pollen. Ipratropium Bromide stops or minimizes this reaction.

Considerations

• Ipratropium bromide is by prescription only

  Ipratropium bromide is used as a maintenance drug for preventative therapy and is obtained by prescription only. It can be administered by metered dose inhaler (MDI) or by small volume nebulizer.

Dose

• Asthma can be life threatening

  The dose depends upon the severity and frequency of symptoms, and can vary from two to six inhalations, two to four times a day. For the drug to be effective, it must be taken on a regular basis.

Effects

• Ipratropium bromide can have various side effects

  The most common side effects are flu-like symptoms, shaking, insomnia, anxiety, constipation, sore throat and difficulty breathing. The side effects can occur with both methods of administration, MDI and small volume nebulizer.

Function

• Ipratropium bromide helps to eliminate shortness of breath

  Ipratropium bromide is a bronchodilator used to dilate the bronchi in the lungs. An asthma attack causes the cholinergic nerves in the airway to narrow causing bronchospasms. Ipratropium bromide is considered an "anti-cholinergic" drug which blocks the effect of the cholinergic nerves allowing the muscles to relax.

MDI vs. SVN

• SVNs require a power source

  The SVN mode of delivery, which requires a method of nebulization and a power source such as compressed air or oxygen, is generally used for patients with a more severe diagnosis who are not able to adequately use, or respond to, the MDI.