drug name | Ipratropium Bromide |
classification | Anticholinergic bronchodilator |
pharmacokinetics | absorption | Poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Primarily delivered via inhalation, providing rapid onset of bronchodilation. | distribution | Widely distributed throughout the body, crossing the blood-brain barrier to a limited extent. | metabolism | Minimal hepatic metabolism. Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. | elimination | Elimination half-life is approximately 6 hours, although the duration of action is typically shorter. |
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suggested dosage | adult | inhalation | Usual adult dose via inhalation is 2 puffs every 4-6 hours as needed. | inhalation details | A specific volume/dosage might be present in the inhaler; follow manufacturer's instructions carefully |
| other dosage forms | Ipratropium is not typically given by other routes. |
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indications | 1 | Treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. | 2 | Prevention of bronchospasm in patients prone to exercise-induced bronchospasm. |
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safety in pregnancy | Limited data on the safety of Ipratropium Bromide in pregnancy. It is generally considered a pregnancy category B drug, but should be used with caution, especially during the first trimester. Consult a healthcare provider for detailed guidance. |
safety in breastfeeding | Ipratropium bromide is considered to be relatively safe for use while breastfeeding, but it is not recommended to administer without consulting with a healthcare professional. |
side effects | 1 | Dry mouth | 2 | Headache | 3 | Nasal congestion | 4 | Palpitations | 5 | Urinary retention (potential in patients with underlying conditions) | 6 | Increased heart rate | 7 | Cough | 8 | Sore throat | 9 | Constipation |
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contraindications | 1 | Known hypersensitivity to ipratropium bromide or other anticholinergics. | 2 | Glaucoma (angle-closure type) | 3 | Prostatic hyperplasia (potential risk for urinary retention) | 4 | Myasthenia gravis (caution required) |
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interactions | 1 | Potentially additive effects with other bronchodilators | 2 | Interaction with other medications is possible. It is essential to inform healthcare provider about all medications taken. | 3 | Anticholinergics may enhance the risk of adverse effects with other drugs affecting the central nervous system (CNS) |
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warnings and precautions | 1 | Monitor for signs of worsening respiratory symptoms. | 2 | Instruct patients to rinse the mouth after use to reduce risk of oral candidiasis (thrush). | 3 | Use cautiously in patients with a history of urinary retention, or conditions that may impair urination. | 4 | Monitor elderly patients closely for adverse effects. | 5 | Ipratropium should not be considered a first-line treatment for acute asthma attacks. The use of a short-acting beta-agonist (e.g., albuterol) is usually needed for immediate relief |
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additional information | Ipratropium bromide is not a rescue medication for acute asthma attacks; it's primarily used for chronic maintenance of respiratory function. Patients should consult a healthcare professional for specific requirements. |
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