How To Use Albuterol and Ipratropium

Albuterol and ipratropium come as a spray and solution to be inhaled using an inhaler or nebulizer machine respectively. This medicine is usually inhaled 4 times a day. 

Read the prescription label carefully and use albuterol and ipratropium exactly as prescribed at the recommended doses. Your doctor will tell you if you can use extra doses of the medicine for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. You should not use more than 6 inhalations of the spray in 24 hours or more than 2 extra doses of the nebulizer inhalation solution (total 6 per day). 

Tell your doctor if a previously effective regimen fails to control your symptoms. This may be a sign of worsening COPD, and your doctor will need to reassess your therapy. 

The spray dispenses 120 doses of the medicine and is designed to last for one month if you use 4 inhalations per day. It locks after dispensing 120 doses and will not release any more medicine. Keep an eye on the indicator, which will tell you when 7 days of medicine remain (when the indicator enters the red zone). Refill your prescription in time so that you don’t run out. 

Avoid getting albuterol and ipratropium into your eyes. This can increase your risk of developing a serious eye condition called narrow angle glaucoma or acute angle closure glaucoma. People who have narrow angle glaucoma may have worsening of the condition if their eyes are exposed to this medicine. If you are using a face mask with the nebulizer reservoir, make sure you know how to prevent the medicine from leaking and getting into your eyes. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or other vision changes or start seeing halos around lights.

Do not load cartridges of other medicines in your albuterol and ipratropium spray or use other devices to inhale albuterol and ipratropium. Use only the device that comes with your medicine. 

Your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist will show you the proper use of the spray and nebulizer. You can also refer to the patient information leaflet and manufacturer’s directions that came with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain the instructions if you don’t understand.

To get the full benefits of albuterol and ipratropium, use the medicine regularly. This medication will control your symptoms and make breathing easier, but it will not cure your condition. Do not stop using albuterol sulfate and ipratropium bromide without talking to your doctor. If you stop using the medicine, your COPD symptoms may get worse.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of albuterol and ipratropium, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store albuterol and ipratropium at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in the original container, tightly closed. Keep unused vials of the nebulizer solution in the foil pack until it’s time to use them. Do not freeze the spray. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused albuterol and ipratropium should be disposed of in a way that other people, children, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw albuterol and ipratropium in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to properly discard expired or unneeded albuterol and ipratropium is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on albuterol and ipratropium. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about albuterol and ipratropium, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.

Discounted prices for ipratropium and albuterol
 start at $14.82.

Get your FREE BuzzRx card and 
start saving today!

CHECK PRICES