Albuterol and Ipratropium Uses

The combination of ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is prescribed to people who continue to have symptoms on a single bronchodilator and require a second medicine.

There may be other uses of albuterol sulfate and ipratropium bromide—your doctor or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Albuterol and Ipratropium Mechanism of Action

Ipratropium and albuterol make breathing easier through their bronchodilator effect (they widen the air passages in the lungs).

Albuterol and Ipratropium Doses

The recommended dose of albuterol and ipratropium inhalation spray is one inhalation four times a day, with a maximum of 6 inhalations in a 24-hour period. 

The recommended dose of ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate inhalation solution is one vial (3 mL) 4 times a day through nebulization, with up to 2 additional doses in a 24-hour period, if needed. 

Each actuation from the inhaler delivers 20 mcg of ipratropium bromide and 100 mcg of albuterol (equivalent to 120 mcg of albuterol sulfate).

Each 3-mL vial of the inhalation solution contains ipratropium bromide 0.5 mg and albuterol sulfate 3 mg for nebulization.

Albuterol and ipratropium can be used as needed to control recurring bouts of bronchospasm (airway narrowing). But if a previously effective regimen fails to provide relief, you should be evaluated by your healthcare provider. This may be a sign of worsening COPD, and you may need a change in treatment.