Respontin nebules

How does it work?

Respontin nebules contain the active ingredient ipratropium bromide, which is a type of medicine called an antimuscarinic bronchodilator. (NB. Ipratropium nebules are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Ipratropium works by opening the airways to make it easier to breathe.

In conditions where there is narrowing of the airways, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, eg emphysema and chronic bronchitis), it is difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs.

Ipratropium works in the lungs, where it blocks receptors called muscarinic receptors that are found on the muscle surrounding the airways. A natural chemical called acetylcholine normally acts on these receptors, causing the muscle in the airways to contract and the airways to narrow.

Ipratropium blocks the muscarinic receptors in the lungs and therefore stops the action of acetylcholine on them. This allows the muscle around the airways to relax and the airways to open. This makes it easier for people with asthma or COPD to breathe.

Ipratropium doesn't open the airways as quickly as short-acting beta 2 agonists (reliever inhalers) such as salbutamol or terbutaline. This means that instead of being used to relieve shortness of breath, it is used as a regular treatment to help keep the airways open all the time.

Ipratropium is taken using an inhaler device. Inhaling the medicine allows it to act directly in the lungs where it is needed most. It also reduces the potential for side effects occurring in other parts of the body, as the amount absorbed into the blood through the lungs is lower than if it is taken by mouth.

People with COPD who have been shown to benefit from regular use of high doses of ipratropium are sometimes prescribed nebules to be used in a nebuliser at home. A nebuliser is a machine that converts the liquid medicine inside the nebules into particles that can be inhaled. It is used to deliver higher doses of the medicine than a standard inhaler. Respontin nebules are used in a nebuliser.

What is it used for?

Asthma

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Warning!

Follow the instructions for use that are provided with your medicine. Do not exceed the dose of ipratropium that your doctor has prescribed you to use.

If this medicine does not seem to prevent wheezing or chest tightness as well as usual, or for as long as usual, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. It may be that your lung condition is getting worse and your doctor might need to give you another medicine.

Nebulised ipratropium solution may cause an unexpected increase in wheezing (paradoxical bronchospasm). If this happens, stop using the nebuliser immediately and consult your doctor.

You should avoid accidentally getting this medicine into eyes, especially if you have, or are susceptible to, glaucoma. You should take particular care when using a nebuliser to avoid the mist getting in your eyes. It is recommended that you use a mouthpiece with a nebuliser, or if this is not available, then a properly fitting nebuliser mask. Seek medical advice if the medicine gets into your eyes.

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms while using this medicine: red and painful eye, possibly with headache, loss of vision or blurred vision, seeing haloes around lights. These symptoms may be due to an increase in pressure inside the eyeball (glaucoma) and require investigation by your doctor.

Use with caution in

Closed angle glaucoma

Cystic fibrosis

Enlarged prostate gland

Blockage of the outflow of urine from the bladder

Not to be used in

Allergy to ipratropium bromide or related medicines, eg atropine.

Respontin nebules are not recommended for children under three years of age.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus, particularly in the first trimester. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution in nursing mothers, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the nursing infant. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Nausea and vomiting

Dry mouth

Cough

Throat irritation

Unexpected narrowing of the airways (paradoxical bronchospasm)

Increased heart rate (tachycardia)

Awareness of your heart beat (palpitations)

Constipation

Blurred vision

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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