Ipratropium, marketed as Ipratropium Steri-Neb is a nebuliser solution commonly prescribed to patients struggling with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (usually abbreviated to COPD). Developed and marketed by IVAX pharmaceutical company within the UK, Ipratropium is classified as an anticholinergic bronchodilator. As such, it facilitates easier breathing and the diminishing of the intensity of COPD symptoms by widening the airways otherwise narrowed due to contractions of the smooth muscle tissue that is present in their lining. As a medication that is applied via nebuliser devices, the form that it is eventually consumed in inhalable mist.

What’s on this page?

Highly efficient at soothing respiratory tension and reducing breathing difficulties, Ipratropium solution is very easy to use and is considered to be highly efficient and rather safe. As such, it is commonly prescribed to people affected by COPD within the UK – which are estimated to amount to as much as 3 million people, with roughly 1 million of those being unaware of the condition due to lack of medical examinations or misdiagnosis.

How does Ipratropium help with COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is so-called umbrella term, meaning that it denotes a cluster of distinct, yet closely associated medical conditions marked by the inhibition of airflow during exertion, phlegmy cough and increased susceptibility to various chest infections. Commonly associated to smoking, when discovered early, COPD is first managed via different lifestyle changes, most notably, quitting smoking and reducing exposure to other airborne irritants such as pollutants, dust or chemical fumes.

When medication is necessary to keep the condition under control, the drugs used are those that are designed to counteract the tightening and contracting of the airways, thus contributing to easier breathing. Ipratropium Steri-Neb is no exception here.

Based on ipratropium bromide, this prescription medication is classified as an antimuscarinic, meaning that it works by inhibiting the activity of a naturally-produced chemical called acetylcholine. By doing this, Ipratropium Steri-Neb will break the chain of chemical reactions occurring in the body that would otherwise result in tightening of the muscle tissue. When applied, this medication will help relax the muscles lining the airways, thus facilitating easier breathing.

Can I buy Ipratropium Steri-Neb Online?

Yes, it is possible to buy Ipratropium Steri-Neb online in the UK. However, you should keep in mind that this is a prescription-only medicine and as such, it can be legally obtained only with a valid medical prescription issued by a certified medical professional.

In order to obtain the prescription, you can either choose the so-called traditional route which involves making an appointment with your doctor or through some of numerous online clinics operating within the UK. However, it is important to note that some of the online clinics will not offer to issue the prescription, but only renew it. This is so because COPD can be easily misdiagnosed, especially when there is no direct contact between the doctor and the patient. So, if the online clinic decides that the doctor employed there cannot be completely sure that COPD is at hand, you will still be required to confirm your diagnosis via the traditional route.

Once you approach any online clinic with a proof of diagnosis of COPD, you will be able to easily renew the prescriptions online. You will still be asked to fill in certain medical questionnaires so the doctor employed there can confirm your suitability for using Ipratropium Steri-Neb. Even if the doctor ends up recommending a different treatment, such as Combivent or Mucodyne, for example, this process will be the same.

If everything checks out, the medication will be sent to the address you provided and delivered within a timespan defined by the online clinic’s business policy.

How to use Ipratropium Steri-Neb?

As is the case with all prescription medications, you should learn as much as you can about Ipratropium before commencing treatment. And this includes being completely confident about the instructions for use provided by your prescriber. In addition to this, you can always refer to the official patient information leaflet issued within every pack of Ipratropium if you need a quick recap. There you will find a detailed guide on how to safely and efficiently use this medication.

What follows is a short overview of the most central points of the guidelines. As such, it cannot be used as a substitute for official information nor the doctor’s instructions. Instead, we will provide it here so you could get a better grasp of what Ipratropium Steri-Neb use might involve.

  • Always use exactly as instructed by your prescriber
  • The usual dose is 0.4ml to 0.2ml, up to four times daily
  • You can get Ipratropium Steri-Neb in either 1ml or 2ml solution
  • Always administer the medication through a nebuliser device
  • Never swallow or inject the solution
  • For instructions on how to use nebuliser device, please refer to the patient information leaflet
  • Never exceed the prescribed amount
  • If you miss a dose, don’t try to compensate by doubling on the next one – instead, simply continue with the treatment as usual

What are Ipratropium Steri-Neb side effects?

Ipratropium Steri-Neb is considered to be a rather safe and reliable medication, but it is not without potential to cause certain side effects in people especially susceptible to them. It is important to get familiar with what can go wrong prior to commencing treatment so that you can easily differentiate between potentially dangerous side effects and those which might be unpleasant, but otherwise benign.

The single most severe possible side effect that has been documented in people using Ipratropium Steri-Neb is an allergic reaction to the medicine. With that in mind, any signs and symptoms that might be indicative of an allergic reaction (such as breathlessness or the worsening of COPD symptoms) should be immediately reported to your doctor or local emergency service.

Other symptoms that will require you to consult with a medical professional about the safety of continuing the treatment include:

  • Dryness of the mouth
  • Constipation
  • Urinary problems (lasting more than a few days)
  • Pain in the eyes
  • Blurred vision

Other documented side effects include:

Frequency of occurrence Side effects
Common (1 in 10 users) Headache, sore throat, dryness of the mouth, nausea, coughing
Uncommon (1 in 100 users) Palpitations, increased heartbeat, skin rash

 

Rare (1 in 1000 users) Blurred vision, difficulties urinating

 

Please keep in mind that this is not a full list of all documented side effects, but just a short overview. For a more comprehensive guide to Ipratropium Steri-Neb side effects please refer to the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of the medicine.