Ipratropium Is an Anticholinergic Bronchodilator Used to Treat COPD and Runny Nose

Ipratropium Bromide is a prescription medication that relaxes the muscles around your airways, making it easier to breathe. It's one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and it also comes as a nasal spray to stop a runny nose caused by allergies or the common cold.

Here's everything you need to know about Ipratropium in 2026 — what it treats, how to take it, who shouldn't use it, and how much it costs.

What Is Ipratropium?

Ipratropium Bromide belongs to a drug class called short-acting muscarinic antagonists (SAMAs), also known as anticholinergic bronchodilators. It's sold under the brand name Atrovent and is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim.

Ipratropium is not a controlled substance. Generic versions are widely available, making it one of the more affordable respiratory medications on the market.

It comes in several forms:

• Metered-dose inhaler (MDI) — Atrovent HFA, 17 mcg per actuation
• Nebulizer solution — 0.02% (500 mcg per 2.5 mL vial)
• Nasal spray 0.03% — 21 mcg per spray, for allergic and non-allergic rhinitis
• Nasal spray 0.06% — 42 mcg per spray, for common cold rhinorrhea
• Combination products — Combivent Respimat and DuoNeb combine Ipratropium with Albuterol

What Is Ipratropium Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

• COPD (including emphysema and chronic bronchitis) — The inhaler and nebulizer forms help open airways and reduce bronchospasm.
• Rhinorrhea from the common cold — The 0.06% nasal spray reduces runny nose symptoms.
• Rhinorrhea from seasonal allergic rhinitis — The 0.06% nasal spray can help manage allergy-related runny nose.

Off-Label Uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe Ipratropium for:

• Asthma exacerbations — Often combined with a short-acting beta-agonist (like Albuterol) during severe asthma attacks in the emergency room.
• Non-allergic rhinitis — The nasal spray can help with chronic runny nose not caused by allergies.
• Secretion management in ICU patients — Nebulized Ipratropium helps clear airway secretions.

To understand how Ipratropium works in your body, check out our plain-English explanation of its mechanism of action.

How Is Ipratropium Taken?

Inhaler (Atrovent HFA)

The typical dose is 2 inhalations (34 mcg) four times daily, up to a maximum of 12 inhalations per day. Shake well before each use. If the inhaler is new or hasn't been used in 3+ days, prime it first by releasing test sprays into the air.

Technique matters: breathe out fully, press the canister while inhaling slowly, then hold your breath for about 10 seconds.

Nebulizer Solution

The typical dose is 500 mcg (one vial) every 6–8 hours. Use with a mouthpiece or face mask, and breathe normally for 5–15 minutes until the mist stops. Using a mouthpiece is preferred to avoid getting the medication in your eyes.

Nasal Spray

For the 0.03% spray: 2 sprays per nostril, 2–3 times daily. For the 0.06% spray: 2 sprays per nostril, 3–4 times daily. Prime before first use, tilt your head slightly forward, and breathe gently while spraying.

Who Should Not Take Ipratropium?

Do not use Ipratropium if you have:

• An allergy to Ipratropium Bromide or Atropine (they're structurally similar)
• A peanut or soy allergy — The Atrovent HFA inhaler contains soy lecithin. The nebulizer solution and nasal spray do not.

Use with caution if you have:

• Narrow-angle glaucoma — Ipratropium can increase eye pressure
• Enlarged prostate (BPH) or bladder neck obstruction — May worsen urinary retention

Always tell your doctor about all medications you're taking. Ipratropium can interact with other anticholinergic drugs. See our full guide on Ipratropium drug interactions.

For a complete list of potential side effects, read Ipratropium Side Effects: What to Expect.

How Much Does Ipratropium Cost?

Cost varies significantly by formulation:

• Generic nebulizer solution: $15–$30 with a coupon
• Generic nasal spray (0.06%): $14–$20 with a coupon (as low as $14 on SingleCare)
• Brand Atrovent HFA inhaler: ~$530 without insurance

Generic Ipratropium is widely covered by most insurance plans and Medicare Part D as a preferred generic. The brand-name inhaler may require prior authorization.

If cost is a concern, Boehringer Ingelheim offers a savings program that caps out-of-pocket costs at $35/month for eligible commercially insured patients. There are also patient assistance programs for uninsured patients through the Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation.

For more ways to reduce your costs, see our guide on how to save money on Ipratropium.

Final Thoughts

Ipratropium is a tried-and-true medication that's been helping people breathe easier for decades. Whether you're managing COPD or dealing with a persistent runny nose, it's an effective and generally affordable option — especially in generic form.

If you have a prescription and need to find a pharmacy with Ipratropium in stock, Medfinder can help you check availability near you without calling around.