How does it work?

Ipratropium bromide is a type of medicine known as an antimuscarinic or anticholinergic. It is used for many purposes, but when applied into the nose is used to treat runny noses that are a result of allergic (eg hayfever) or non-allergic inflammation in the nose. Inflammation of the nasal lining causes water and mucus to be pushed out of the nasal tissues, resulting in a runny nose. When sprayed into the nose, ipratropium works by blocking receptors, called muscarinic receptors, that are found in the nose. Blocking these receptors prevents the action of a natural chemical called acetylcholine. Normally, when acetylcholine acts on these receptors, it causes the production of mucus in the nose. Blocking these receptors therefore prevents mucus production, which helps to dry up a runny nose.

What is it used for?

Runny nose (rhinorrhoea) due to inflammation of the lining of the nose (allergic or non-allergic rhinitis)

Warning!

Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes, especially if you have, or are susceptible to, glaucoma. Seek medical advice if the medicine gets into the eyes.

This medicine is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following while using this medicine: eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision, visual haloes or coloroured images in association with red eyes.

Not to be used in

Allergy to atropine

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. 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.

Nosebleeds (epistaxis)

Dry nose

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.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There are no significant interactions with this medicine.

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