Atrovent is an inhaled medication used to treat the symptoms of COPD (bronchitis, emphysema). As a bronchodilator, it relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow. Atrovent is not a rescue medication, and should not be used to treat COPD attacks or flares.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and use Atrovent exactly as prescribed.

• Prime a new inhaler or one that hasn’t been used for more than 3 days. To prime, pump two test sprays into the air.
• Inhale this medication orally. When inhaling, put your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and keep your eyes closed.
• If your doctor has directed you to take more than one dose, or if you use any other inhalers, wait at least one minute between inhalations.
• Do not use Atrovent more than twelve times over a 24 hour period.
• Clean your inhaler once weekly.
• Discard your inhaler once the dose indicator reaches 0.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• Your medical history particularly of glaucoma, bladder problems, enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating.
• If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breast feeding.

You should also know:

Atrovent is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used to treat a bronchospasm attack.

Common side effects of Atrovent include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Cough, dry mouth, hoarseness, sinus pain or congestion
• Flu symptoms – fever, body aches, chills
• Back pain

Contact your doctor if you experience these more serious side effects:

• Wheezing, trouble breathing, tightness in chest
• Urinary problems – pain or burning, producing little or no urine
• Eye/vision problems
• Worsened COPD symptoms

Can I use Atrovent during a COPD flare-up?

Atrovent is a daily maintenance medication and doesn’t replace the use of rescue inhalers during flares or attacks.

How often can I use Atrovent?

Do not use Atrovent more than twelve times over a 24 hour period.