Ipratropium (Atrovent)

Question 1

What class is Atrovent (ipratropium)?

Answer 1

Bronchodilator

(Anticholinergic)

Question 2

What action does Atrovent accomplish?

Answer 2

Antagonizes action of acetylcholine preventing interaction of acetylcholine with muscarinic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle causing bronchodilation

Dries respiratory tract secretions

Question 3

What are Atrovent’s indications and appropriate med dosages?

Answer 3

Indications:
Respiratory distress
- suspected non cardiac (adult)
- with broncospasm (pediatric)

Anaphylactic reaction
- anaphylaxis involving respiratory tract

DOSAGES
Adult:
2.5 ml via nebulizer
*added to first dose of Albuterol SO

Pediatric:
PDC via nebulizer
*added to first dose of Albuterol SO

Question 4

What are the contraindications for Atrovent (ipratropium)?

Answer 4

None

Question 5

What the adverse effects of Atrovent (ipratropium)?

Answer 5

• dizziness
• headache
• cough
• blurred vision/ eye irritation from mist in mask

Question 6

Atrovent packaging…go!

Answer 6

0.5 mg/ 2.5 ml unit does vial

Question 7

Atrovent administration…go!

Answer 7

You’re administering this WITH Albuterol so remember, it’s the same as Albuterol

4 - 6 lpm oxygen handheld mouthpiece
6 - 10 lpm oxygen mask, CPAP, ET Tube

Question 8

What are the cautions and considerations with Atrovent (ipratropium)?

Answer 8

NOT used for hyperkalemia or burn patients.

Use MDI if concerned with infectious mist or withhold use

Consider HEPA filter for in line nebulizer

Question 9

What is the onset, peak, and duration of Atrovent?

Answer 9

Onset = 15 - 30 minutes
Peak= 1 - 2 hours
Lasts = 4 - 5 hours

Question 10

What’s some special info for Atrovent (ipratropium)?

Answer 10

Cholergenic effects are site specific to the lungs and have no systemic effects