Atrovent and Atrovent HFA are brand names for the prescription drug ipratropium.
The nasal form of Atrovent is used to control a runny nose caused by seasonal allergies or the common cold.
Atrovent belongs to a group of drugs known anticholinergics, which work by helping to expand the airways leading from the windpipe into the lungs by blocking receptors that normally cause these pipes to constrict or tighten.
Manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Atrovent in 1986.
You shouldn't take Atrovent if you are allergic to ipratropium or any of the drug's inactive ingredients.
Before taking Atrovent, you should tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had:
You should tell your doctor if any of the following side effects are severe or don't go away:
You should stop using this medicine and call your doctor if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
You should tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking.
Atrovent nasal spray doesn't really have any major drug interactions, but the inhaled form is more likely to interact with other drugs.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the inhaled form of Atrovent if you are taking:
Your doctor will determine what dose, and how often you should use, Atrovent.
Each spray of the Atrovent HFA metered-dose inhaler (MDI) delivers 17 micrograms (mcg) of the active ingredient.
For COPD: Your doctor may tell you to take two puffs, four times a day. Never take more than 12 puffs a day.
For asthma: You may use Atrovent HFA when having a flare-up. You can inhale up to 8 puffs of Atrovent HFA's contents every 20 minutes as needed for up to 3 hours.
For allergies or a head cold: Your doctor may tell you to use two sprays in each nostril two to three times a day.
If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
You can get in touch with a poison control center at 800-222-1222.
If you miss a dose of Atrovent, try to take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule.
Don't take extra doses to make up for a missed one.
By Frieda Wiley | Medically Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD
Latest Update: 2015-10-23