Ipratropium Flashcards

Ipratropium Overview

• Brand name: Atrovent
• Class: Anticholinergic bronchodilator

Mechanism of Action

• Inhibits acetylcholine interaction at bronchial smooth muscle receptors.
• Leads to decreased cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels and bronchodilation.

Indications

• Effective for persistent bronchospasm.
• Used in the management of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) exacerbations.

Contraindications

• Not suitable for individuals with hypersensitivity to ipratropium or related substances, including atropine and peanuts.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

• Common side effects include headache, dizziness, and fatigue.
• Potentially serious effects: tachycardia, palpitations, MI (myocardial infarction).
• Other effects include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, cough, and worsening of COPD symptoms.

Drug Interactions

• No significant drug interactions reported for ipratropium.

Presentation Form

• Supplied as an aerosol at 18 µg/actuation.
• Available as a nebulized inhalation solution, 0.02% concentration (500 µg/mL).

Dosage and Administration

• Adult dosage: 250-500 µg via inhalation using a nebulizer, every 20 minutes, up to three times.
• Pediatric dosage: Same as adults, adjusted as necessary.

Duration of Action

• Onset of action: 1-3 minutes.
• Peak effect occurs in 90-120 minutes.
• Duration of bronchodilation lasts 4-6 hours.

Special Considerations

• Pregnancy safety: classified as Category B (no evidence of risk in humans).
• Administer beta-agonists first when combined with ipratropium, allowing a 5-minute interval.
• Shake the inhaler well before use.
• Use cautiously in patients with urinary retention.

This quiz provides in-depth flashcards on Ipratropium, including its classification, mechanism of action, and indications. Perfect for students and healthcare professionals wanting to enhance their understanding of this anticholinergic bronchodilator.