Atrovent Inhaler (20mcg)

What is Atrovent?

Atrovent is a type of preventer inhaler that is used to reduce the risk of asthma symptoms. 

It is used to help prevent and manage asthma symptoms such as wheezing and chest tightening.

You can buy Atrovent inhalers on prescription. 

What is Atrovent used to treat?

The Atrovent inhaler is an effective treatment for people who suffer from breathing difficulties, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

Atrovent is used to control and prevent symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath that are caused by COPD. Atrovent should not be used to relieve sudden symptoms such as shortness of breath; instead, you should use your reliever inhaler for instant relief.

Why is Atrovent recommended to treat asthma?

Atrovent's active ingredient, ipratropium bromide, has been used in the treatment of asthma since 1974.

It is on the World Health Organisations List of Essential Medicines, which lists the safest and most effective medicines required in a health system.

How does Atrovent work?

Atrovent inhalers work by delivering a metered dose of ipratropium bromide directly to your lungs. Ipratropium is a bronchodilator medicine and works to dilate the airways of the lungs, allowing air to pass through easier. As a result, you will find it much easier to breathe.

Ipratropium blocks the muscarinic cholinergic receptors, which are responsible for the production of an enzyme present in the airways called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). By reducing this enzyme, muscle contractions in the airways will decrease, as will the mucous and saliva present in the airways and surrounding glands. 

Who can take Atrovent 20mcg?

If any of the below apply to you, you should make sure you inform your doctor if they are considering prescribing you Atrovent:

• You are allergic to ipratropium bromide, or any other ingredients contained in Atrovent
• You are a man with prostate problems
• You are allergic to similar medicines that contain atropine
• You have problems urinating
• You have glaucoma or have been told you might develop it
• You have cystic fibrosis

Can you buy Atrovent inhalers over the counter?

No, Atrovent inhalers are prescription-only and not for sale over the counter. 

Can you buy Atrovent inhalers online?

Yes, you can buy Atrovent online from most UK online pharmacies. You should always ensure the pharmacy you are purchasing from holds all of the relevant licenses and is approved by UK regulatory bodies.

You can order an Atrovent inhaler online at Medicine Direct after completing an online consultation with one of our UK-based pharmacists. Next day delivery is available if you order by 2pm.

Atrovent alternatives

You can buy various preventer inhalers online at Medicine Direct to minimise the risk of asthma attacks. 

Aside from Atrovent, we also stock the following:

• Clenil Modulite brown inhaler
• Symbicort Turbohaler
• Qvar inhaler
• Pulmicort Turbohaler
• Flixotide inhaler

Atrovent 20mcg indications and dose

You will be prescribed Pulmicort based on the NICE dosage guidelines for Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide).

Atrovent is only available in a 20mcg dosage. This dosage has been found to provide effective management of asthma symptoms as well as causing very few side effects.

To make sure your inhaler is working properly, test it by firing twice into the air before you use it for the first time.

How to use an Atrovent 20mcg inhaler

1. Insert the canister into the mouthpiece, make sure the canister is fully sat in the mouthpiece
2. Remove the cap of the mouthpiece, ensure there is nothing in the mouthpiece before use
3. Exhale as much as comfortably possible
4. Put the mouthpiece to your mouth and close your lips around it
5. Deeply inhale slowly whilst pressing down on the canister to release 1 spray of Atrovent
6. Hold your breath for 10 seconds
7. Remove the mouthpiece and rinse your mouth out with water
8. If you have been instructed to take 2 puffs, you should wait at least 15 seconds

For more information on how to take Atrovent, you should visit the manufacturer's website.

Atrovent Side Effects

As with all medication, using the Atrovent inhaler does come with the risk of certain side effects.

Common side effects of taking Atrovent include:

• Dry mouth
• Feeling sick, stomach upset or discomfort
• You develop a cough or throat infection when you have just used the inhaler

Tell your doctor if any of these side effects bother you or persist. 

Serious side effects from using Atrovent inhaler:

• Unexpected tightness of the chest or swelling of the throat
• Sores on your mouth or lips
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Itching or a skin rash
• Blurred vision, dilated pupils, glaucoma or pain/stinging of the eyes
• Problems urinating
• Nettle rash
• Finding it difficult to focus

Seek medical attention if you get any of these serious side effects.

Always ensure you read the patient information leaflet thoroughly before you use this inhaler.

Atrovent warnings and drug interactions

The Atrovent inhaler may interact with other medicines you are using.

Before you take Atrovent, you should inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are currently taking any other prescription or non-prescription medicine. 

In particular, you should make sure your doctor is aware if you are currently taking any of the following:

• Any other anticholinergic medicines, including those for COPD, irritable bowel syndrome, coughs or urinary incontinence
• Any medicines to help your breathing (xanthines), such as theophylline or aminophylline
• Any other inhalers to aid in your breathing

More information on medicines that can interact with Atrovent can be found here.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

There is not enough data to prove that Atrovent is safe or toxic when used during pregnancy. For this reason, your doctor or pharmacist may choose to prescribe an alternative medicine. 

Other reliever inhalers that are safe to use in pregnancy include Ventolin.

Atrovent is considered safe to use while breastfeeding, but you should still ensure your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding before you start the treatment.

Atrovent Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Ipratropium bromide monohydrate

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.