What It Is
Ipratropium belongs to a class of medicines called anticholinergics, also known as antimuscarinics. It is used as an inhaler, a nebuliser solution, and a nasal spray.
What It's Used For
Ipratropium is generally used to relieve breathing difficulty in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and, together with salbutamol, in severe asthma attacks. The nasal spray is used for a runny nose caused by allergies or the common cold.
How It Works
Ipratropium blocks muscarinic receptors in the airways. This stops the nerve signals that cause the airway muscles to tighten and mucus glands to produce secretions, so the airways widen and secretions reduce. It is a short-acting medicine, working within minutes and lasting several hours.
History and Regulatory Status
Ipratropium was developed in the 1960s and has been in medical use since the 1970s. It is derived from atropine but is poorly absorbed into the blood, which limits side effects elsewhere in the body. It is included on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines and is available as a generic prescription medicine.