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Ipratropium Inhalation Solution Side Effects

Generic name: ipratropium

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 16, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Ipratropium Inhalation Solution Side Effects associated with ipratropium. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Ipratropium Inhalation Solution.

Applies to ipratropium: inhalation solution.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, ipratropium (the active ingredient contained in Ipratropium Inhalation Solution) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ipratropium:

More common

  • bladder pain
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • cough producing mucus
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • difficulty with breathing
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • lower back or side pain
  • shortness of breath
  • tightness in the chest
  • wheezing

Less common

  • body aches or pain
  • chills
  • cough
  • ear congestion
  • fever
  • headache
  • loss of voice
  • runny nose
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

  • constipation (continuing) or lower abdominal pain or bloating
  • fainting
  • fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • severe eye pain
  • skin rash or hives
  • swelling of the face, lips, or eyelids

Incidence not known

  • blindness
  • blurred vision
  • confusion
  • decrease in the frequency of urination
  • decrease in the urine volume
  • decreased vision
  • difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • dizziness
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • hives or welts
  • itching
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • nausea or vomiting
  • noisy breathing
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • redness of the skin
  • redness of the white part of the eyes or inside of the eyelids
  • sweating
  • tearing

Other side effects

Some side effects of ipratropium may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • back pain
  • dryness of the mouth
  • unpleasant taste

Less common or rare

  • acid or sour stomach
  • belching
  • burning eyes
  • diarrhea
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • heartburn
  • indigestion
  • joint pain
  • loss of appetite
  • muscle aches and pains
  • nervousness
  • pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
  • shivering
  • stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
  • trembling
  • trouble sleeping

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ipratropium: compounding powder, inhalation aerosol, inhalation solution.

General

The most common adverse reactions were bronchitis, COPD exacerbation, dyspnea, headache, throat irritation, cough, dry mouth, gastro-intestinal motility disorders (including constipation, diarrhea and vomiting), nausea, and dizziness.[Ref]

Respiratory

Gastrointestinal

Genitourinary

Musculoskeletal

Nervous system

Other

Cardiovascular

Dermatologic

Hypersensitivity

Ocular

References

1. Gross NJ (1988) "Ipratropium bromide." N Engl J Med, 319, p. 486-94

2. Anderson WM (1986) "Hemodynamic and non-bronchial effects of ipratropium bromide." Am J Med, 81, p. 45-53

3. (1987) "Ipratropium." Med Lett Drugs Ther, 29, p. 71-2

4. Massey KL, Gotz VP (1985) "Ipratropium bromide." Drug Intell Clin Pharm, 19, p. 5-12

5. Pakes GE, Brogden RN, Heel RC, Speight TM, Avery GS (1980) "Ipratropium bromide: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in asthma and chronic bronchitis." Drugs, 20, p. 237-66

6. (2002) "Product Information. Atrovent (ipratropium)." Boehringer-Ingelheim

7. "Product Information. Atrovent (ipratropium)." Boehringer-Ingelheim

8. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

9. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

10. Levin DC, Little KS, Laughlin KR, Galbraith JM, Gustman PM, Murphy D, Kram JA, Hardie G, Reuter C, Ostransky D, Mcfarland K (1996) "Addition of anticholinergic solution prolongs bronchodilator effect of beta(2) agonists in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease." Am J Med, 100 Suppl, s40-8

11. Lozewicz S (1989) "Bladder outflow obstruction induced by ipratropium bromide." Postgrad Med J, 65, p. 260-1

12. Pras E, Stienlauf S, Pinkhas J, Sidi Y (1991) "Urinary retention associated with ipratropium bromide." DICP, 25, p. 939-40

13. Verheijen-Breemhaar L, Bogaard JM, Hilvering C (1982) "Comparison of the bronchodilatory action and side-effects of ipratropium bromide and thiazinamium methyl sulphate: a long-term, double-blind, crossover trial in patients with chronic bronchitis." Pharmatherapeutica, 3, p. 180-7

14. Braun SR, Levy SF (1991) "Comparison of ipratropium bromide and albuterol in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a three-center study." Am J Med, 91, s28-32

15. O'Driscoll BR (1989) "Supraventricular tachycardia caused by nebulised ipratropium bromide." Thorax, 44, p. 312

16. Cabana MD, Johnson H, Lee CKK, Helfaer M (1998) "Transient anisocoria secondary to nebulized ipratropium bromide." Clin Pediat, 37, p. 445-7

17. Kizer KM, Bess DT, Bedford NK (1999) "Blurred vision from ipratropium bromide." Am J Health Syst Pharm, 56, p. 914

Further information

Ipratropium Inhalation Solution side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.