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Overview: Nasal ipratropium is used to help reduce symptoms of a runny nose. It works by reducing the amount of liquid and mucus made in your nose. Common side effects can include dryness of the nose, throat, or mouth. This may possibly lead to a bloody nose. Tell your health care provider about all of your medical conditions and any medicines that you take before using nasal ipratropium.  

Uses

What is nasal ipratropium used for?

Nasal ipratropium is commonly used to relieve symptoms from a runny nose that is caused by the common cold, allergies, or a condition that causes symptoms like allergies, called nonallergic rhinitis.

Nasal ipratropium may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Ipratropium is also available as an inhaler or a solution for use in a nebulizer. See Ipratropium Inhaled for more information.

How does nasal ipratropium work (mechanism of action)?

Nasal ipratropium works to reduce the amount of liquid and mucus (secretions) produced in the nose, which may help with a runny nose.

How is nasal ipratropium supplied (dosage forms)?

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 21 mcg/spray as a 0.03% nasal solution
  • 42 mcg/spray as a 0.06% nasal solution

How should I store nasal ipratropium?

Nasal ipratropium solution should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Do not freeze. Keep tightly closed. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of nasal ipratropium?

The most common side effects of nasal ipratropium nasal are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Bloody nose
  • Dry nose
  • Dry throat or mouth 
  • Headache
  • Cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and cough
  • Change in how things taste

There may be other side effects of nasal ipratropium that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of nasal ipratropium?

While less common, the most serious side effects of nasal ipratropium nasal are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nasal ipratropium nasal can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using nasal ipratropium and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use nasal ipratropium?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use nasal ipratropium.

  • Atropine
  • Atrovent
  • Ipratropium
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific nasal ipratropium products they stock.

What should I know about nasal ipratropium before using it?

Do not use nasal ipratropium unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share nasal ipratropium with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep nasal ipratropium out of the reach of children.

Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how nasal ipratropium affects you.

Avoid getting nasal ipratropium in your eyes. If nasal ipratropium accidently gets into your eyes, flush them with cool water for several minutes. Call your health care provider right away if you get nasal ipratropium in your eyes and you have eye pain or blurry vision.

Follow the instructions for use when using nasal ipratropium for the first time or when you haven’t used it in more than 24 hours. The medicine needs to be primed, so you get the correct dose.

What should I tell my health care provider before using nasal ipratropium?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if nasal ipratropium is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following before using nasal ipratropium.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Narrow angle glaucoma
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Problems peeing or bladder blockage
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Nasal ipratropium may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using nasal ipratropium, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how nasal ipratropium could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use nasal ipratropium while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Nasal ipratropium may pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use nasal ipratropium while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does nasal ipratropium interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between nasal ipratropium and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect nasal ipratropium. 

Does nasal ipratropium interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any other anticholinergic medication, which includes antihistamines and certain medicines for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, stomach problems, motion sickness, and others.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with nasal ipratropium. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much nasal ipratropium?

If you or someone else has used too much nasal ipratropium, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of nasal ipratropium?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.