Ipratropium

Ipratropium (as ipratropium bromide, trade name Atrovent) is an anticholinergic drug administered by inhalation for the treatment of obstructive lung diseases. It acts by blocking muscarinic receptors in the lung, inhibiting bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion. It is a non-selective muscarinic antagonist, and does not diffuse into the blood, which prevents systemic side effects. Ipratropium is a derivative of atropine^[1] but is a quaternary amine and therefore does not cross the blood-brain barrier, which prevents central side effects (anticholinergic syndrome).

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Ipratropium is also combined with albuterol (salbutamol) (trade names Combivent and Duoneb) for the management of COPD and asthma. Ipratropium is also combined with fenoterol (trade names Duovent and Berodual N) for the management of asthma.

Side effects are as those for other anticholinergics.

Sources

• Brenner, G. M. (2000). Pharmacology. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company. ISBN 0-7216-7757-6
• Canadian Pharmacists Association (2000). Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (25th ed.). Toronto, ON: Webcom. ISBN 0-919115-76-4
• Boehringer Ingelheim