Ipatrin Ipratropium Bromide 250Mcg (2 boxes of 30X1ml Vials)

Ipatrin* uni-dose
Ipratrin* Adult uni-dose

contains the active ingredient ipratropium bromide
CONSUMER MEDICINE INFORMATION

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Ipratrin uni-dose and Ipratrin Adult uni-dose.

It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have benefits and risks. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using Ipratrin against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with your medicine.

You may need to read it again.

What Ipratrin is used for

Ipratrin can be used:

  • to make breathing easier for people with asthma and chronic obstructive bronchitis
  • in other conditions where breathing may be difficult such as during or after surgery, and during assisted ventilation
  • by people who are unable to use inhalers or “puffers”.
  • Ipratrin belongs to a group of medicines called anticholinergic bronchodilators. These medicines work by relaxing and opening up the airways, allowing more air to the lungs. After Ipratrin is inhaled, it begins to work quickly but may take up to 2 hours to reach its full effect.

    Ipratrin provides short-term relief of symptoms and can be used as part of a management program (Asthma Action Plan) available through your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe Ipratrin in combination with other medicines to help your breathing.

    Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.

    Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.

    Ipratrin is available only with a doctor`s prescription.

    There is no evidence that Ipratrin is addictive.

    Before you use Ipratrin

    When you must not use it

    Do not use Ipratrin if you are allergic to medicines containing:

  • ipratropium bromide
  • atropine
  • other anticholinergics; medicines used for travel sickness, stomach cramps and Parkinson`s Disease
  • any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
  • Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction include skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips or tongue, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing; wheezing or shortness of breath.

    Do not use Ipratrin after the expiry date printed on the ampoule or pack, or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

    If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.

    If you are not sure whether you should start using this medicine, talk to your doctor.

    Before you start to use it

    Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.

    Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

    Care is recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first 3 months. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Ipratrin during pregnancy.

    Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or wish to breastfeed.

    Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Ipratrin when breastfeeding.

    Tell your doctor if you have, or have had, any medical conditions, especially the following:

  • glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
  • difficulty passing urine
  • prostate problems
  • constipation
  • cystic fibrosis.
  • Your doctor may want to take special care if you have any of these conditions.

    If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you start using Ipratrin.

    Taking other medicines

    Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

    This is recommended even though Ipratrin is not known to affect or be affected by other medicines.

    However, check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing other nebuliser medicines with Ipratrin.

    Some nebulising solutions, do not mix well with Ipratrin and may need to be nebulised separately, e.g. sodium cromoglycate (Intal).

    How to use Ipratrin

    Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully.

    They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

    If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

    How much to use

    The dose varies from person to person.

    Your doctor will decide the right dose for you.

    Adults

    The usual dose is either:

  • 1 to 2 ampoules (250 mcg to 500 mcg) of Ipratrin uni-dose 250 mcg/1 mL, or
  • 1 ampoule (500 mcg) of Ipratrin Adult uni-dose 500 mcg/1 mL diluted to 2 or 3 mL with normal saline, and inhaled through a nebuliser mask four times a day.
  • Depending on your condition and specific needs, your doctor may advise you to take a different dose.

    Continue to inhale the mist until all the solution is finished from the nebuliser bowl.

    Children

    The usual dose is 1 ampoule (250 mcg) of Ipratrin uni-dose 250 mcg/1 mL, diluted to 2 or 3 mL with normal saline and inhaled through a nebuliser four times a day.

    Depending on your child`s condition, your doctor may advise you to give a different dose.

    Use only Ipratrin uni-dose 250 mcg/1 mL, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

    Only the lower strength of Ipratrin is suitable for children, as each ampoule contains the smaller dose recommended for children.

    Continue to inhale the mist until all the solution is finished from the nebuliser bowl.

    How to use it

    The liquid in Ipratrin ampoules is for inhalation only. It must not be swallowed or injected.

  • 1.Before you use Ipratrin, prepare the nebuliser equipment for use according to the manufacturer`s instructions and your doctor`s advice.
  • 2.Carefully tear a new ampoule from the strip. Never use one that is already open.
  • 3.Open the ampoule by holding it upright and twisting off the top portion. Use the solution as soon as you open the ampoule.
  • 4.Place the open end of the ampoule well into the nebuliser bowl and squeeze it slowly until all the liquid has been emptied into the nebuliser bowl.
  • 5.If your doctor has told you to dilute Ipratrin, do this just before use with 2 to 3 mL of normal saline only.
  • 6.Assemble the nebuliser and inhale Ipratrin as directed.
  • 7.Make sure your nebuliser mask is properly fitted over your mouth and nose.
  • This will reduce the chance of mist getting into your eyes.

  • 8.After use, discard any liquid remaining in the nebuliser bowl or ampoule and clean the nebuliser as recommended.
  • When to use it

    If your doctor has advised you to use Ipratrin only when required, then inhale it only when your breathing problems occur.

    If your doctor has advised you to use Ipratrin regularly, then use it at about the same time each day.

    Using it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to use it.

    How long to use it for

    Keep using Ipratrin for as long as your doctor recommends.

    Depending on your condition, you may need to use Ipratrin for a few days, a few weeks or for long term.

    If you forget to use it

    If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

    Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.

    Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

    If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

    If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

    If you use too much (overdose)

    Immediately telephone your doctor, or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26), or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you think you or anyone else may have used too much Ipratrin. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

    You may need urgent medical attention.

    If you inhale too much Ipratrin, you may have a fast heart beat, feel sick (nausea), have a dry mouth, have difficulty seeing or blurred vision.

    While you are using Ipratrin

    Things you must do

    Fit the nebuliser mask properly over the nose and mouth to prevent mist from getting into the eyes when nebulising the solution.

    In some people, contact with the mist from Ipratrin can cause blurred vision and other eye problems.

    Tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital if:

  • your breathing suddenly becomes more difficult after using Ipratrin.
  • This may be a sign of an allergic reaction.

  • you develop red eyes, eye pain or discomfort together with sight problems (blurred vision, seeing halos or coloured images) during or after using Ipratrin.
  • This may mean you have developed a serious eye condition called narrow angle glaucoma. This can happen if the mist gets in your eyes.

    Tell your doctor if you feel Ipratrin is not helping your condition as your doctor may need to adjust your treatment.

    This may happen if:

  • you need to use Ipratrin more frequently than prescribed
  • you need to use more solution or a bigger dose to relieve your symptoms
  • the relief from Ipratrin does not last as long as usual
  • your symptoms are getting worse.
  • If you have an Asthma Action Plan that you have agreed to with your doctor, follow it closely at all times.

    Always use a new ampoule.

    Used or left over solution may become contaminated as Ipratrin does not contain a preservative.

    If your doctor has told you to dilute Ipratrin, do this with normal saline only and immediately before use.

    If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are using Ipratrin.

    Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who treat you that you are using this medicine.

    If you become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.

    Keep all of your doctor`s appointments so that your progress can be checked.

    Things you must not do

    Do not swallow or inject the liquid.

    Ipratrin is intended for inhalation with a suitable nebulising machine.

    Do not let yourself run out of Ipratrin over the weekend or on holidays, especially if you need to use Ipratrin everyday.

    Do not use this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

    Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

    Side effects

    Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using Ipratrin.

    Ipratrin helps most people with their breathing problems but it may have unwanted side effects in some people.

    All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.

    Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects.

    You may not experience any of them.

    Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

    Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

  • headache
  • dry mouth
  • nausea, vomiting
  • constipation, diarrhoea
  • throat irritation, cough
  • difficulty passing urine
  • dizziness
  • problems focussing your eyes.
  • The above list includes the more mild side effects of your medicine.

    If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital:

  • fast or irregular heart beat (palpitations)
  • worsening of your breathing problems
  • symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing; wheezing or shortness of breath; sudden or severe itching, skin rash or hives
  • red eyes, eye pain or discomfort together with sight problems (blurred vision, seeing halos or coloured images).
  • The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

    Tell your doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.

    Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients.

    After using Ipratrin

    Storage

    Keep Ipratrin where children cannot reach it.

    A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

    Keep the solution in the ampoules until it is time to use them.

    If you remove the solution from the ampoules it may not keep well.

    Discard any liquid left in opened ampoules or in the nebuliser bowl.

    Keep your ampoules in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25 degrees C.

    Keep the ampoules away from light.

    Do not store Ipratrin or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave Ipratrin in the car or on window sills.

    Heat, light and dampness can destroy the medicine.

    Disposal

    If your doctor tells you to stop using Ipratrin, or your medicine has passed its expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any that is left over.

    Product description

    What it looks like

    Ipratrin is available in 2 strengths:

  • Ipratrin uni-dose 250 mcg/1 mL
  • Ipratrin Adult uni-dose 500 mcg/1 mL.
  • Both strengths of Ipratrin come in plastic single-use ampoules containing a clear and colourless solution.

    Each ampoule contains 1 mL of solution. Each pack contains 30 ampoules.

    Ingredients

    The active ingredient in Ipratrin is ipratropium bromide (anhydrous).

    Each ampoule of Ipratrin uni-dose contains 261 mcg of ipratropium bromide [equivalent to 250 mcg of ipratropium bromide (anhydrous)].

    Each ampoule of Ipratrin Adult uni-dose contains 522 mcg of ipratropium bromide [equivalent to 500 mcg of ipratropium bromide (anhydrous)].

    Ipratrin uni-dose and Ipratrin Adult uni-dose also contains the following inactive ingredients:

  • sodium chloride
  • hydrochloric acid
  • purified water.
  • Ipratrin uni-dose and Ipratrin Adult uni-dose are preservative free.

    Supplier

  • Ipratrin uni-dose and Ipratrin Adult uni-dose are supplied by:
  • Alphapharm Pty Limited
  • (ABN 93 002 359 739)
  • Chase Building 2
  • Wentworth Park Road
  • Glebe NSW 2037
  • Phone: (02) 9298 3999
  • Medical Information
  • Phone: 1800 028 365
  • www.alphapharm.com.au
  • Australian registration numbers:
  • Ipratrin uni-dose 250 mcg/1 mL – AUST R 58164
  • Ipratrin Adult uni-dose 500 mcg/1 mL – AUST R 62144
  • This leaflet was prepared on
  • 11 January 2007.
  • ENQUIRE

    1800 200 736