Ipratropium bromide

Question 1

What are other drugs in the same class as ipratropium?

Answer 1

tiotropium bromide

Question 2

What is ipratropium used for?

Answer 2

short term acute treatment of reversible component in chronic obstructive airways disease e.g. chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of ipratropium?

Answer 3

parasympathetic inhibitor which blocks the vagal reflexes, which would normally mediate bronchoconstriction

Question 4

What are important pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters of ipratropium?

Answer 4

Systemic bioavailability after inhalation is very low
Elimination half life ~3-4 hours
No transgression of blood-brain-barrier

Question 5

What are some precautions associated with ipratropium?

Answer 5

• close medical supervision during initial dosing
• Patients with glaucoma and prostatic hypertrophy - warn not to allow the solution or mist to
  enter the eyes
• Caution should be observed during the first trimester of pregnancy

Question 6

What are the contraindications associated with ipratropium?

Answer 6

known sensitivity to atropine-like substance or inactive excipients

Question 7

What are some common adverse effects of ipratropium?

Answer 7

Dizziness, blurred vision or other changes in vision may influence the ability to drive or use
machines
- Dryness of the mouth/noticeable bitter taste

Question 8

What are interactions associated with ipratropium?

Answer 8

beta adrenergics and xanthine preparations can enhance bronchodilatroy effect.

anticholinergic effects of other drugs can be intensified.