Anticholinergic bronchodilators block parasympathetic nervous fibers, relaxing the smooth muscles in the airway. In other words, these medications reduce the airway constriction experienced by so many asthmatics. Ipratropium bromide and tiotropium bromide, considered maintenance drugs, can be used to treat asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These drugs are often given in addition to other medications to alleviate or minimize asthma symptoms.
Ipratropium Bromide
Ipratropium bromide, the generic name for Atrovent and Atrovent HFA, can be administered by metered dose inhaler, or MDI, by small volume nebulizer, or SVN, and by nasal spray. According to the National Library of Medicine, an Atrovent MDI has a 15-minute onset, with peak effectiveness in one to two hours, and will last four to six hours. Ipratropium is a maintenance medication used to prevent wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness and coughing in individuals suffering from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ipratropium bronchodilators work by relaxing and opening the airway to make it easier to breathe.
Tiotropium Bromide
Tiotropium bromide, the generic name for Spiriva, can be taken by dry powder inhaler, or DPI. According to the National Library of Medicine, a Spiriva DPI has a 30-minute onset, with peak effectiveness in three hours and lasting for 24 hours. Tiotropium prevents wheezing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Tiotropium is also used to treat individuals with bronchitis and emphysema; it works by relaxing and opening the air passages.
Ipratropium Bromide and Albuterol
In combination, ipratropium bromide and albuterol can be used to prevent wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness and coughing in individuals with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The ipratropium and albuterol combination contained in the brand name Combivent MDI is used by individuals whose symptoms have not been controlled by ipratropium or albuterol alone. According to the National Library of Medicine, the Combivent MDI has a 15-minute onset, peaks in one to two hours, and lasts four to six hours. The DuoNeb, another brand name, taken by nebulizer, has the same onset, peak and duration as the Combivent MDI. The Combivent MDI is used four times a day and provides approximately 200 doses.
References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus: Ipratropium Oral Inhalation
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus: Tiotropium Oral Inhalation
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Tiotropium Marketed as Spiriva Handihaler
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus: Ipratropium and Albuterol Inhalation
