Ipratropium

Bronchodilator (anticholinergic)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Ipratropium is a bronchodilator (anticholinergic) found in 3 medicines sold in India, such as Ipravent Inhaler, Duolin Inhaler, Duolin Respules. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Opens the airways in COPD and asthma, often combined with a reliever.

How it works

A short-acting anticholinergic bronchodilator that relaxes airways; used in COPD, in nebulisers with salbutamol during attacks, and as a nasal spray for runny nose.

How to take it

Inhaler or nebuliser 3 to 4 times a day as prescribed. Keep the mist out of your eyes.

Common side effects

  • Dry mouth
  • Cough
  • Headache

Get medical help straight away if

  • Eye pain or blurred vision (glaucoma risk if it gets in the eyes)
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Breathing worse after use

Be careful

Can cause dry mouth; keep the mist out of the eyes (glaucoma risk).

Other medicines and interactions

Adds to effects of other anticholinergic medicines.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Inhaled bronchodilators are generally continued in pregnancy and breastfeeding, because uncontrolled breathing problems are the bigger risk; ask your doctor.

Brands of Ipratropium (1)

Ipravent Inhaler

Combination medicines that contain Ipratropium (2)

Duolin InhalerDuolin Respules

Common questions

What is Ipratropium used for?

Opens the airways in COPD and asthma, often combined with a reliever.

How does Ipratropium work?

A short-acting anticholinergic bronchodilator that relaxes airways; used in COPD, in nebulisers with salbutamol during attacks, and as a nasal spray for runny nose.

How should I take Ipratropium?

Inhaler or nebuliser 3 to 4 times a day as prescribed. Keep the mist out of your eyes.

What are the side effects of Ipratropium?

Common: Dry mouth, cough, headache. Get help straight away for: Eye pain or blurred vision (glaucoma risk if it gets in the eyes), difficulty passing urine, breathing worse after use.

Does Ipratropium interact with other medicines?

Adds to effects of other anticholinergic medicines.

Is Ipratropium safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Inhaled bronchodilators are generally continued in pregnancy and breastfeeding, because uncontrolled breathing problems are the bigger risk; ask your doctor.

Does Ipratropium need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Ipratropium?

Duolin Inhaler, Duolin Respules, Ipravent Inhaler.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.