Ipratropium is prescribed to help patients control the symptoms of various lung diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that narrows and irritates the airways of the lungs. Affecting nearly 24 million Americans, asthma is a very common, but non-contagious respiratory disease that usually begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. Asthma may vary in severity from person to person.

Common symptoms of asthma include:

• Chest tightness
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Coughing
  
• Wheezing
  

Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation of the bronchioles and is characterized by productive coughing that occurs over several months. Chronic bronchitis may be caused by smoking tobacco products, air pollution, or allergens and may lead to COPD.

Common symptoms of bronchitis include:

• Coughing
  
• Wheezing
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Low-grade fever
  
• Mucus production (usually yellowish or green in color)
  
• Chest pain
  

Emphysema is a condition in which the air sacs in your lungs have become damaged. This can be caused by smoking, inhaling harmful chemicals, and regular exposure to air pollution. Emphysema is most commonly characterized by chronic shortness of breath that can lead to additional adverse symptoms.

Ipratropium belongs to a classification of medication known as bronchodilators. These medications help relax the muscles that surround the airways in the lungs (known as the bronchi) to help prevent symptoms of lung damage and lung disease.

Symptoms of these conditions commonly occur after exercise or exposure to an irritant (such as secondhand smoke or airborne allergens). Bronchodilators help people mitigate and prevent the symptoms listed above by relaxing the muscles that surround the airways, which encourages airflow to and from the lungs. Ipratropium does not cure patients of asthma or lung disease, but it can improve quality of life and prevent potentially severe breathing problems.

The use of ipratropium may cause side effects. If these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days or become severe, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects reported when taking ipratropium include:

• Dry mouth
  
• Difficulty with urination
  
• Frequent need to urinate
  
• Dizziness
  
• Heartburn
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  

More severe side effects are rare but are usually a result of an allergy to ipratropium.

Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following adverse reactions:

• Tachycardia (fast or irregular heartbeat)
  
• Chest pain
  
• Rash/ hives
  
• Swelling of the face, throat, or extremities
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Throat irritation
  

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with and any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with ipratropium. Ipratropium can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding.

The specific dosage of ipratropium will vary depending on the condition requiring treatment. Talk to your health care provider about how to administer ipratropium correctly and how often to inhale the medication.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of ipratropium without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Ipratropium is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not ipratropium is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for ipratropium to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.