Atrovent 250mcg/1ml Vial POM x20

Atrovent 250mcg/1ml Vial (Ipratropium Bromide)

Atrovent 250mcg/1ml Vial (POM) is a nebuliser solution containing ipratropium bromide, an anticholinergic bronchodilator. Each Atrovent vial is used for the treatment of reversible bronchospasm in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and, alongside an inhaled beta2-agonist, for reversible airways obstruction in acute and chronic asthma. It works by blocking the effect of acetylcholine on the airway muscles, which opens the airways and makes breathing easier.

Usage Instructions

Each Atrovent ampoule is opened by twisting off the top and squeezing the full contents into the nebuliser chamber, which turns the solution into a mist for inhalation through a mouthpiece or mask. The usual adult and adolescent dose (over 12 years) is 1 to 2 vials (250 to 500 micrograms), three to four times a day, with 2 vials used for acute breathlessness. Dosing in children is lower and should be determined by a doctor, and nebulised treatment in those under 18 years should only be used under specialist supervision. Atrovent may be mixed with a short-acting beta2-agonist nebuliser solution, such as salbutamol, in the same chamber if prescribed together, and any unused solution should be discarded after use.

Side Effects

Common effects include headache, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, and stomach discomfort, along with cough or throat irritation shortly after use, which often resolve without stopping treatment. Uncommon effects include skin rash or itching, blurred vision, dilated pupils, dry or tight throat, and difficulty passing urine. Serious effects include worsening breathing difficulty after use, palpitations or an irregular heartbeat, and allergic reactions such as swelling of the face or mouth. Stop use and seek urgent help if any of these occur.

Precautions & Contraindications

Atrovent should not be used by anyone with a known allergy to ipratropium bromide, atropine, or related medicines. Before use, tell the doctor about cystic fibrosis, glaucoma or a risk of glaucoma, prostate problems, difficulty passing urine, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Other medicines to disclose include anticholinergics such as tiotropium or oxybutynin, beta-agonists such as salbutamol, and xanthine preparations such as theophylline. Contact with the eyes should be avoided, as this may cause pain, blurred vision, or narrow-angle glaucoma, and driving or using machinery should be avoided if dizziness or blurred vision occurs.

When to Seek Help

Seek emergency medical help for signs of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of the face or mouth, sudden difficulty breathing, or a drop in blood pressure. Urgent medical assistance should also be sought if breathing difficulty is not relieved by the nebulised medicine, even if there is short-term improvement after use.

Resources

• NHS: Atrovent 250 micrograms/ml nebuliser liquid
• Atrovent Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)
• Atrovent Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)

Disclaimer: This information is intended for healthcare professionals and is provided for reference purposes only. It does not replace the Patient Information Leaflet or Summary of Product Characteristics, which should always be consulted for full prescribing, dispensing, and administration guidance. Williams Medical Supplies does not provide clinical or prescribing advice.