What Is Ipratropium Nasal Spray Used For?

Ipratropium nasal spray uses include treating a runny nose that is caused by the common cold, allergies, and year-round, non-allergic nasal symptoms. It can be used in adults and children as young as five years old. The medication will not help with nasal congestion, sneezing, or postnasal drip associated with nasal allergies.

Ipratropium for a Runny Nose

What Is Ipratropium Nasal Spray Used For?

Ipratropium nasal spray (Atrovent^® nasal spray) is a prescription medication used to treat a runny nose due to the following conditions:

The common cold
Allergies, including seasonal or year-round allergies
Year-round, non-allergic nasal symptoms.

Ipratropium Nasal Spray for the Common Cold

There are many different causes of a runny nose. One of the first things you may suspect if you have a runny nose is the common cold. Sneezing, runny nose, and a scratchy throat -- everyone knows the first signs of a cold, which is probably the most common illness known to exist. Although the common cold is usually mild, with cold symptoms lasting one to two weeks, it is a leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from school and work.

The common cold is caused by viruses (see Causes of Common Cold), and there is no known cure for the common cold. However, there are several medications that can help relieve the symptoms of the common cold. Ipratropium 0.06% nasal spray is approved to help relieve a runny nose due to the common cold. However, ipratropium nasal spray does not help with nasal congestion or sneezing and has not been studied for treating the common cold for more than four days at a time.

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