ipratropium bromide
Last reviewed 01/2018
Ipratropium is an antimuscarinic bronchodilator used in the treatment of reversible airways obstruction, and particularly in chronic bronchitis.
It differs from the á2 adrenoceptor stimulators by virtue of a slower onset of action but has a longer action, and good maintenance of bronchodilation can be achieved with about three aerosol administrations per day.
Ipratropium bromide is used in the treatment of chronic bronchitis and in asthma, especially in the elderly, in whom salbutamol is less effective.
In asthma it reverses bronchoconstriction, with an onset of action of 30 to 45 minutes; thus it is not helpful in an acute attack.