Teva-Ipratropium Sterineb
This product is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries using the ingredient ipratropium bromide.
This product is taken via nebulizer.
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.
Teva-Ipratropium Sterinebs are intended for inhalation via a nebulizer.
In most cases, dilution of the dose with sterile preservative-free saline is not necessary. However, volumes of solution less than 2 mL are not appropriate for nebulization and must be diluted with saline or another suitable nebulizer solution to make up for a total fill volume of 2-5 mL.
1. Detach one plastic vial by pulling it firmly from the strip.
2. Open the vial by twisting off the top. It is important that you use the contents of the vial as soon as possible after opening it.
3. Squeeze the contents of the plastic vial into your nebulizer chamber. If your doctor has instructed you to use less than one complete vial, use a syringe to withdraw the prescribed dose. Any solution left in the plastic vial must be thrown away.
4. If your doctor has instructed you to use another inhalation solution in combination with this medication, you should add the appropriate amount of that solution to the nebulizer chamber as well.
5. Use a syringe, add sodium chloride solution to the chamber if you have directed to do so by your pharmacist or physician.
6. Gently shake the nebulizer chamber and connect it to the mouthpiece or face mask. Then connect the nebulizer tube to the air or oxygen pump and begin therapy.
7. Breathe calmly and deeply through the mask or mouthpiece until no more mist is formed in the nebulizer chamber. This usually takes 10-15 minutes. It is very important to adjust the face mask, if required, to prevent the mist from getting in your eyes.
8. Follow the instruction provided by the nebulizer and air pump manufacturers for the proper care and maintenance of the equipment. Keep the nebulizer, nebulizer tube and face mask clean to minimize microbial contamination.
9. The unit dose vials should be stored at room temperature. The vials should be protected from heat and light.
Please Remember
• Do not exceed the prescribed dose or frequency of treatments.
• Do not mix this medication with any other medication in the nebulizer unless instructed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medication has been prescribed for you and should not be given to other people.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• The solution is intended for inhalation only. Do not inject or drink it.
• Do not let the nebulized mist get into your eyes. Patients with glaucoma should use swimming goggles or a nebulizer with a mouthpiece to prevent nebulized solution getting into the eyes.
Alternatives
Other products that have the same ingredient as Teva-Ipratropium Sterineb are •Apo-Ipravent inhalation solution •Atrovent® HFA •Combivent® Respimat® •Ipratropium/Salbutamol inhalation solution •Ipravent nasal spray •PMS-Ipratropium inhalation solution •PMS-Ipratropium nasal spray •Teva-Combo Sterinebs •
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 •
The average adult single dose is 250 to 500 mcg of ipratropium. The recommended dose in children 5 to 12 years is 125 to 250 mcg of ipratropium. Treatment may be repeated every 4 to 6 hours as necessary.
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.