Ipratropium Nasal Spray

Ipratropium nasal spray is licensed for the treatment of a runny nose that is associated with the common cold, allergies, or other causes. By decreasing the fluid production in the glands of the nasal passages, the medication helps to relieve a runny nose. Ipratropium nasal spray, which is available by prescription, is typically used two to four times a day. Most people tolerate the drug well, but side effects can include nosebleeds, a sore throat, and headaches.

 

What Is Ipratropium Nasal Spray?

Ipratropium nasal spray (Atrovent® nasal spray) is a prescription medication used to treat a runny nose. Ipratropium 0.06% nasal spray is approved to treat a runny nose that is caused by either the common cold or seasonal allergies. Ipratropium 0.03% nasal spray is approved to treat a runny nose that occurs all year long (due to allergies or other causes). Ipratropium nasal spray does not help treat nasal congestion or sneezing.
 
(Click What Is Ipratropium Nasal Spray Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
  

Side Effects of Ipratropium Nasal Spray

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with ipratropium nasal spray. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of ipratropium nasal spray include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Nosebleeds
  • A sore throat
  • Upper respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold)
  • Nasal dryness
  • Headaches.
     
(Click Side Effects of Ipratropium Nasal Spray to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;