There are two strengths of ipratropium nasal spray that are used to treat various ailments. For adults and kids aged 5 and older, ipratropium nasal spray 0.06% is used to treat a runny nose brought on by the common cold or seasonal allergies (hay fever). For adults and kids aged 6 and older, ipratropium nasal spray 0.03% is used to treat year-round allergic and nonallergic rhinitis (runny nose and stuffiness). Ipratropium nasal spray does not improve postnasal drip, nasal obstruction, or sneezing brought on by these diseases. Ipratropium nasal spray belongs to the group of drugs known as anticholinergics. It functions by lessening the volume of mucus generated in the nose.

Ipratropium is available as a nasal spray for application. Ipratropium nasal spray 0.06% is often sprayed in the nostrils three to four times per day for up to four days if it is being used to treat the common cold. Ipratropium nasal spray 0.06% is often sprayed in the nostrils four times per day for up to three weeks if it is being used to treat seasonal allergies. Two to three times a day, ipratropium nasal spray 0.03% is often administered into the nostrils. Ipratropium nasal spray should be applied at around the same times each day. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Ipratropium nasal spray should only be used as indicated. Use it only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less often.

Ipratropium nasal spray shouldn’t be used near or in your eyes. If this happens, immediately rinse your eyes for a few minutes with cool tap water. You can encounter the following signs and symptoms if you spray the drug in your eyes: Symptoms of narrow-angle glaucoma include enlarged pupils (black rings in the middle of the eyes), red eyes, perceiving visual haloes or coloured images, blurred vision, red eyes, abrupt eye pain, and increased sensitivity to light. Contact your doctor right away if you spray ipratropium in your eyes or develop any of these symptoms.

Do not alter the nasal spray’s opening because doing so would modify how much medication you receive.

To use the nasal spray, follow these steps:

1. Remove the safety clip and the clear plastic dust cap from the nasal spray pump.
2. The nasal spray pump needs to be primed before use the first time. Your middle and index fingers should be on the white shoulder section of the bottle when you hold it with your thumb at the base. Upright and away from your eyes, point the bottle. Seven times, fast and firmly press your thumb against the bottle. You only need to reprime your pump once, with just two sprays, unless you haven’t taken your prescription in more than 24 hours. Reprime the pump with seven sprays if you haven’t used your nasal spray in more than seven days.
3. If required, gently blow your nose to clear your nostrils.
4. With your head slightly cocked forward and one nostril closed, push the nasal tip of the bottle into the other nostril while maintaining the bottle’s upright position. The tip should be directed toward the outside of the nose and its back.
5. Holding the white shoulder piece of the pump between your index and middle fingers, press firmly and quickly upwards with the thumb at the base. Sniff deeply and exhale through your mouth after each spray.
6. Once you’ve sprayed the nostril and taken the device out, tilt your head backwards for a little while to allow the spray to cover the back of your nose.
7. In the same nostril, repeat steps 4 through 6 once.
8. In the other nostril, follow steps 4 through 7 once more.
9. Change the safety clasp and clear plastic dust cap.

Remove the safety clip and transparent plastic dust cap if the nasal tip becomes clogged. For about a minute, hold the nasal tip under running, warm water from the faucet. Replace the plastic dust cap and safety clip, dry the nasal tip, and prime the nasal spray pump.

For a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before using ipratropium nasal spray,

• If you have any allergies to ipratropium, atropine (Atropen), other medicines, or any of the ingredients in ipratropium nasal spray, let your doctor and pharmacist know right away. Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are now taking or intend to use. Incorporate any of the following: Antihistamines, oral ipratropium inhalation (Atrovent HFA, in Combivent), or drugs for ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, motion sickness, or urinary issues. Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, difficulties urinating, a bladder obstruction, a problem affecting the prostate (the male reproductive gland), or glaucoma (an eye ailment).
• If you are breastfeeding a child or intend to become pregnant, let your doctor know. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while using ipratropium nasal spray.
• You should be aware that ipratropium nasal spray may cause lightheadedness or vision issues. Prior to understanding how this drug affects you, avoid using machinery or operating an automobile.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

The missed dose should be taken as soon as you remember. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

Side effects from ipratropium nasal spray are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Nasal discomfort or dryness
• Nosebleeds
• Dry mouth or throat
• Unwell throat
• Variations in taste
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Ipratropium nasal spray should not be used if you suffer any of the following symptoms; instead, call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention:

• Rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs as well as the eyes, face, lips, tongue, and throat
• Hoarseness
• Breathing or swallowing challenges

Other negative effects of ipratropium nasal spray are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom). Keep the drug from freezing.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.