- Class
- Bronchodilators
- Body system
- Respiratory
- Brand names
- Atrovent HFA, Combivent Respimat (with albuterol)
What is Ipratropium used for?
- Maintenance treatment of bronchospasm in COPD
- Added to albuterol for acute asthma in the emergency setting
- Rhinorrhea (nasal spray)
How Ipratropium works
Short-acting anticholinergic (muscarinic antagonist): blocks acetylcholine in the airways and relaxes bronchial smooth muscle.
Common side effects
- Dry mouth
- Cough
- Headache
- Blurred vision if sprayed in the eyes
Report right away
- Eye pain or blurred vision
- Difficulty urinating
- Swelling of the face or throat
Nursing considerations for Ipratropium
- Use with caution in narrow-angle glaucoma and in prostate enlargement or bladder outlet obstruction.
- Onset is slower than albuterol's; it is not used alone as a rescue inhaler.
Patient teaching
- Keep the spray away from your eyes.
- Sugar-free candy and sips of water help with dry mouth.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Bronchodilators practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Ipratropium belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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A patient has an acute asthma attack. Which inhaler should be used?
Show answer
Answer B: Albuterol Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that opens the airways within minutes. The others are long-term controllers.
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A patient is due for albuterol and fluticasone inhalers. In what order should they be given?
Show answer
Answer A: Albuterol first, then fluticasone after a short wait The bronchodilator opens the airways first so that the corticosteroid can reach deeper into the lungs.
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Which adverse effect is expected after albuterol?
Show answer
Answer B: Tremor and tachycardia Beta-2 stimulation causes tremor and some beta-1 stimulation raises the heart rate; it also lowers potassium.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ipratropium used for?
Maintenance treatment of bronchospasm in COPD; Added to albuterol for acute asthma in the emergency setting; Rhinorrhea (nasal spray).
What drug class is Ipratropium?
Ipratropium belongs to the class bronchodilators. Short-acting anticholinergic (muscarinic antagonist): blocks acetylcholine in the airways and relaxes bronchial smooth muscle.
What are the nursing considerations for Ipratropium?
Use with caution in narrow-angle glaucoma and in prostate enlargement or bladder outlet obstruction. Onset is slower than albuterol's; it is not used alone as a rescue inhaler.
What should patients report while taking Ipratropium?
eye pain or blurred vision; difficulty urinating; swelling of the face or throat.