What is an Atrovent Inhaler?
Atrovent is a bronchodilator and can help open air passages in the lungs to allow people to breathe with greater ease. An Atrovent inhaler consists of the medicine Atrovent in order to cure chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. However, this type of inhaler should not be used in case of an acute attack.
What are the other names?
The names used commonly for Atrovent, are Ratio-Ipratropium Udv, Ratio-Ipratropium, Ipratrovent Sterules, Ipratropium Bromide Nebuamp, Apo-Ipravent, Alti-Ipratropium With Preservative and Alti-Ipratropium.
Ingredients of the medicine
The inhaled aerosol of Atrovent consists of 2 formulas. One of these come with HFA as a propellant while the other comprises of chlorofluorocarbons. While the inhalation and the taste can look varied, the efficacy and the safety of the two formulas happen to be the same.
There are around 200 inhalations in each aerosol canister of Atrovent, based on how big the canister is. You need to keep a record of how many inhalations you take, so that you will be able to know at what time the canister will go almost empty. As compared to other aerosol canisters, this type of canister is impossible to float in water if you wish to do that in order to test how full it is.
How does it help?
The medicine can be used for controlling the signs of lung disorders, like emphysema, asthma and chronic bronchitis. It can also be used for controlling obstruction of air flow and preventing the aggravation of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Like any bronchodilator, Atrovent should be inhaled through the mouth to allow the airways or bronchial tubes in lungs to open up. The drugs can only be availed with prescription from a doctor.
How to use the medicine?
The inhaler is generally available with directions for patients. You should carefully read these prior to using the medication. In case you do not know how you should use the inhaler or understand the instructions, you need to ask your physician and ask him how you should use it.
If you are inhaling the medicine daily for keeping your symptoms in check, you need to space out the usage as your doctor ordered. You should keep the solution away from your eyes. Keep in mind that the drug can lead to odd colors, halos, blurred visions, irritation, discomforts or eye pain. You should close both eyes at the time of inhaling the drug in order to avoid it from getting to the eyes.
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