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PMS-Ipratropium nasal spray

This product is manufactured by Pharmascience Inc. using the ingredient ipratropium bromide.

This product is taken via nasal inhalation.

Why is it prescribed?

Ipratropium is used to treat bronchospasm in pulmonary diseases (e.g. bronchitis, emphysema, asthma) and to relieve runny nose in chronic rhinitis and the common cold.

PMS-Ipratropium nasal spray is intended for nasal inhalation only. Your doctor or pharmacist should have instructed you on the proper use and care of your PMS-Ipratropium nasal spray. The first time the spray is used, prime (load) the pump as instructed before using in the nose. Before using, blow your nose gently to clear your nostrils if necessary.

Store tightly closed at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees centigrade. Avoid excessive heat or freezing.

Avoid spraying in or around the eyes.  Should this occur, immediately flush your eyes with cool tap water for several minutes.  


Alternatives

Other products that have the same ingredient as PMS-Ipratropium nasal spray are •Apo-Ipravent inhalation solution •Atrovent® HFA •Combivent® Respimat® •Ipratropium/Salbutamol inhalation solution •Ipravent nasal spray •PMS-Ipratropium inhalation solution •Teva-Combo Sterinebs •Teva-Ipratropium Sterineb •

See other products used in the treatment of •allergic rhinitis •asthma •bronchitis •bronchospasm associated with COPD •chronic bronchitis (COPD) •COPD •emphysema (COPD) •hay fever •perennial rhinitis •rhinitis •runny nose •seasonal rhinitis •

Chronic rhinitis (runny nose): The usual dose is two 21 mcg sprays in each nostril 2 or 3 times daily.


Ipratropium is thought to work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in the spread of nerve impulses in the body. This "anticholinergic" effect prevents stimulation of certain receptors on bronchial smooth muscle and nasal mucosa. It is a bronchodilator which relieves wheezing and shortness of breath.


Along with its needed effects, ipratropium may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Often, ipratropium users who use their medication properly, never experience any unwanted effects. The severity and duration of these effects are dependant on many factors including duration of therapy, dose, route of administration and individual response. Possible unwanted effects include.

  • dry mouth or throat
  • bad taste
  • tremor

Less common:

  • shortness of breath
  • burning eyes
  • eye pain
  • palpitations (awareness of heart beat)
  • headache
  • difficulty urinating

Rare:

  • tachycardia (rapid heart rate)


Many of these unwanted effects, especially the most common ones, may disappear with continued use. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience increased wheezing or tightness in the chest, swelling of the tongue or lips, difficulty in swallowing, fast or irregular heartbeat, blurred vision or pain in the eyes, difficult or painful urination, or skin rash.

 


Accidently getting ipratropium mist in your eyes can temporarily blur vision, worsen glaucoma and cause eye pain. If this happens, immediately flush your eyes with cool tap water for several minutes.
Drug Interactions: Very little ipratropium is absorbed by the body, so it is unlikely that it would interact with any medications taken orally. However, there are always exceptions, so it is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking.
Use is not recommended in the following situations:
 

  • allergy to ipratropium, atropine or any component of the preparation
  • allergy to soya, lecithin or related food products including soybeans and peanuts.

Caution recommended in the following situations:

  • glaucoma (narrow angle)
  • enlarged prostate
  • blockage of the urinary bladder (e.g. difficulty in urination)

Use in pregnancy: Human data suggests low risk.  Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect that you may be pregnant.
Use while breastfeeding: Considered safe for use in breastfeeding.  Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using.