Atrovent

Atrovent is known as an anticholinergic bronchodilator and is used to make breathing easier for people with diseases such as asthma, emphysema, (a serious condition that makes breathing difficult), and chronic obstructive bronchitis. Atrovent improves air flow by relaxing the muscular tubes (air passages) that carry air to and from your lungs.

Shake the metered aerosol before each puff. This will mix the medicine evenly so that a correct dose is delivered. Each puff must be inhaled through the mouth properly for Atrovent to work.

The more frequently reported side effects of Atrovent are headache, nausea, dryness of the mouth, throat irritation and cough.

Less frequently reported side effects of Atrovent include the following:

• fast or irregular heart beat
• change in bowel movements
• urinary retention (difficulty passing urine)
• narrow-angle glaucoma (a condition affecting the eyes)

The following symptoms may be associated with narrow-angle glaucoma:

• red eyes
• eye pain or discomfort
• sight disturbances (blurred vision, visual halos or coloured images)

Direct contact of the spray with the eyes may temporarily affect the ability of the eyes to focus. However, in some patients this may cause the more serious eye problem of narrow-angle glaucoma mentioned above, to develop or worsen.

Most of the cases of allergic reactions have involved patients who have had a history of allergy to other drugs and/or foods. Allergic reactions may include skin rash, swelling of the tongue, lips and face, and difficulty breathing. Life-threatening allergic reactions have been reported. Tell your physician as soon as possible if you experience any side effects during or after using Atrovent, so that these may be properly treated.

Before using Atrovent, you must tell your physician if you have, or have had, any of the following conditions; an eye problem called "glaucoma", problems with passing urine, constipation, cystic fibrosis. The plastic mouthpiece has been specially designed for use with Atrovent. The mouthpiece must never be used with any other metered aerosol nor must the Atrovent metered aerosol be used with any mouthpiece other than the one supplied with the product.

Only use Atrovent if a physician has prescribed it for you. Never give it to someone else even if their symptoms seem to be the same as yours. Do not use Atrovent if you are allergic to it or to any of the ingredients. In some cases you should not use Atrovent if you are allergic to certain other medicines.

You must tell your physician if you are allergic to any other medicine, particularly atropine or other anticholinergic medicines. If you are uncertain as to whether you have these allergies you should raise those concerns with your physician. You should never use Atrovent after the expiry date on the canister or carton.