General Drug Information and Indications

Anticholinergic bronchodilator for bronchoconstriction and recurrent airway obstruction in horses; via nebulization; combined with albuterol. Anticholinergic bronchodilator (ipratropium bromide). Mechanism: competitive muscarinic receptor antagonist (non-selective M1/M2/M3) in bronchial smooth muscle → blocks parasympathetic bronchoconstriction → bronchodilation. Quaternary ammonium compound — poor oral absorption and minimal CNS penetration. Administered via nebulization. Onset 15 min; duration 4–6 hrs. Key information Anticholinergic bronchodilator. Store at room temperature; protect from light. Shake well before use. Does not provide rapid bronchodilation (complement with albuterol). Avoid contact with eyes — causes pupil dilation.

How to Give this Medication

Nebulized: dilute unit-dose vials in sterile saline; nebulize over 10–15 min using appropriate veterinary nebulizer. MDI: use with appropriate spacer device. May be combined with albuterol in same nebulizer cup. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Administer as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Dry mouth, taste disturbance. Tachycardia (paradoxical — rare). CNS: headache, dizziness. Bronchospasm (paradoxical — rare). Urinary retention (mild anticholinergic). Eye contact: mydriasis, angle-closure glaucoma. GI: constipation, nausea.

Precautions

For animals Avoid in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma or urinary obstruction (anticholinergic effects). Eye contact: mydriasis. Drug interaction: additive anticholinergic effects with other anticholinergic drugs. Use with caution in pregnant animals. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Anticholinergic bronchodilator — avoid inhaling aerosol. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Mydriasis possible with eye contact. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. Ipratropium overdose causes anticholinergic signs: dry mouth, rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, GI slowdown. Contact your veterinarian, a veterinary emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinary professional.

Ipratropium Sol dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
IPRATROPIUM SOL 0.02%INH——1Commercial
IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE 0.02 % SOLN FOR NEB—Solution1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)