ipratrópio

Ipratropium bromide is a medication used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and to manage asthma. It is a bronchodilator, meaning it helps to relax and widen the airways in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Ipratropium works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a substance in the body that causes smooth muscles in the airways to contract. By inhibiting acetylcholine, ipratropium prevents these muscles from tightening, thus opening up the airways.

It is typically administered as an inhaled medication, either through a metered-dose inhaler or a nebulizer. The onset of action is usually within 15 to 30 minutes, with the peak effect occurring one to two hours after administration. The duration of effect is generally four to six hours. Ipratropium is not usually a first-line treatment for acute asthma attacks but can be used in combination with short-acting beta-agonists for severe exacerbations.

Common side effects of ipratropium include dry mouth, cough, and headache. Less common side effects may involve blurred vision, nausea, and urinary retention. It is generally well-tolerated, especially when inhaled. Ipratropium is a quaternary ammonium compound, which limits its absorption into the bloodstream and reduces the likelihood of systemic side effects compared to some other anticholinergic drugs. It is not metabolized in the liver but is excreted unchanged in the urine.