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Atrovent® HFA

Atrovent® HFA

Generic Name: Ipratropium

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Atrovent® HFA

Instructions for use

  1. Wash and dry your hands well.
  2. Remove the mouthpiece cover and check for loose parts inside the mouthpiece.
  3. If the inhaler is new or has not been used in 3 days, prime it away from face into the air. DO NOT SPRAY INTO EYES.
  4. Sit up straight or stand up.
  5. Hold the inhaler so the mouthpiece is at the bottom and the canister points upward. Fully exhale from your mouth.
  6. Place the mouthpiece between your lips. Make sure that your tongue is flat under the mouthpiece and does not block the opening.
  7. Seal your lips around the mouthpiece.
  8. Close your eyes (to prevent spraying medication into your eyes).
  9. Push the canister all the way down into the plastic sleeve as you begin slowly to take in a deep breath through your mouth over 5 seconds.
  10. Hold your breath for 10 seconds. If you cannot hold your breath for 10 seconds, then hold your breath for as long as possible.
  11. Wait about one minute and repeat steps 5 to 10.
  12. Replace the mouthpiece cover after each use. Store in a cool dry place.

Key product details

Medication Class and Use

  • Anticholinergic Bronchodilator (maintenance inhaler): Works to relax the muscles that tighten around the airway and makes breathing easier. Use this inhaler every day to prevent symptoms, even when feeling well. Can use with a fast acting inhaler for quick relief. Do not use alone for fast relief.

Dosing

  • Usual COPD dosing: 2 puffs four times per day (max: 12 puffs in 24 hours).
  • Available strengths: 17 mcg.
  • Each inhaler contains 200 inhalations.

Priming

  • Priming: 2 sprays before 1st use or if not used in 3 days.

Refill

  • Has dose indicator on back. At 40 background starts to change from green to red, all red background at 20 and stops moving at 0. Recommend getting refill when background turns red.

Cleaning

  • Once per week, remove canister and wash plastic sleeve in warm running water for 30 seconds. Let air dry.

Other

  • Avoid spraying into eyes, can cause eye problems and worsen narrow angle glaucoma.
  • Inhaler shaking not necessary.

References

  1. Galvin WF, Dunn PJ, Kallstrom TJ. A Patient’s Guide to Aerosol Drug Delivery. American Association for Respiratory Care; 2010.
  2. Product Information: ATROVENT(R) HFA oral inhalation aerosol, ipratropium bromide hfa oral inhalation aerosol. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals,Inc., Ridgefield, CT, 2012.

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The information provided is educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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