Respontin (ipratropium): Buying COPD medication online in the UK

Respontin is a commonly prescribed medication used for the alleviation of symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, better known by abbreviation COPD. The efficiency of this treatment, which is well-known in the medical community, stems from its active ingredient, ipratropium bromide, a pharmaceutical compound classified as antimuscarinic bronchodilator. This type of chemicals acts within the human organism by relaxing the smooth muscle tissue lining the airways, thus facilitating easier breathing and decreasing tension in the airways. As such, Respontin is a highly effective bronchodilator which is easily administered through a nebuliser device. Highly effective at relieving COPD symptoms, it has helped countless individuals to breathe more easily and manage their condition successfully.

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How does Respontin help with COPD?

With more than 3 million suspected cases of COPD within the UK alone, the importance of effective medication cannot be overestimated. However, for any kind of COPD treatment to produce the desired results, the patient will first have to make certain lifestyle changes in order to prevent further complications and further progress of the condition. This involves quitting smoking and taking the necessary steps to avoid or at least limit to various airborne irritants such as chemical fumes and pollutants. Only then medication therapy can yield relevant results.

Respontin acts as a bronchodilator, meaning that it facilitates easier breathing by helping the airways to expand, thus allowing the air to flow more freely, with less obstruction. As such, Respontin works by inhibiting the activity of a naturally-produced chemical called acetylcholine and subsequently breaking the chain of chemical reactions occurring in the body that result tightening of the smooth muscle tissue. When applied using a specialised nebuliser device, this medication will prevent the chemical reaction causing the muscle contraction, contributing instead to their relaxation and facilitating easier breathing through this process. This is possible thanks to Respontin’s active ingredient, ipratropium bromide, shared with other medications.

Can I buy Respontin online in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to buy Respontin online in the UK. However, you should keep in mind that this medication can be legally obtained only with a valid prescription issued by a certified medical professional. This can be done in several different ways, most commonly via the so-called traditional route that involves face-to-face appointment with the doctor and via online consultations through any of the numerous online clinics operating within the UK. However, in case of COPD, the doctors employed by the online clinics tend to be rather careful. This condition can be easily misdiagnosed, so in a majority of cases, a direct appointment with a doctor will still be necessary.

However, once your diagnosis is confirmed, you can easily renew your prescription online. You will still be required to fill in a customised and detailed medical questionnaire that the doctor will then use to determine your suitability for using Respontin. If everything is in order, the doctor will have the medication sent from the partner pharmacy to the address you provided during the sign up process.

How is Respontin used?

In order to ensure the best possible results when using Respontin, while at the same time minimising the risk of experiencing side effects, it is important to be completely confident about the guidelines for using the treatment. Of course, your doctor will tell you everything you need to know and for a quick recap you can always consult the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of Respontin.

Below, we will provide you with some of the most important guidelines that you should keep in mind when using this medication. However, it is important to note that what follows is just a brief overview intended to be used for illustrative purpose, to help our readers get a better idea of what to expect from using Respontin to treat COPD. As such, the text below should never be used as a substitute for doctor’s advice or the official information on the topic.

• Always use as instructed
• You will be required to administer one to two single doses three to four times per day (250-500 micrograms)
• Acute episodes of breathlessness should be treated with two single dose units (500 micrograms in total)
• Administer Respontin only through the supplied nebuliser device
• Never consume nebules in another way
• Detailed instructions on how to use the nebuliser device can be found in the official patient information leaflet
• Never exceed the prescribed dose
• If you forget to take a dose, administer it as soon as you remember provided that you are experiencing wheezing and general exacerbation of symptoms
• If you don’t notice any worsening of COPD symptoms, skip the missed dose and continue with the treatment as usual
• Never double the dose in an attempt to compensate for the missed dose

What are Respontin side effects?

Respontin is considered to be a relatively safe and reliable medication by doctors and patients alike. However, it is still important to get familiar with the potential side effects, so you can act accordingly in case they do manifest. The central point here is that you should be able to easily differentiate between those side effects that might be uncomfortable, but not really dangerous and those which will require you to halt treatment and seek immediate medical advice, either from your doctor or from the local emergency service.

The single most severe possible side effect that has been documented in people using Respontin 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:

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 Respontin side effects please refer to the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of the medicine.