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atrovent hfa

Pharmaranks rates Atrovent Hfa 3.6/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Atrovent Hfa (Ipratropium Bromide) is an anticholinergic used to treat Bronchial Spasm, Bronchitis, Pulmonary Emphysema, Perennial Allergic Rhinitis.

Ipratropium Bromide · by Boehringer Ingelheim

Available as a generic: Ipratropium Bromide

72/100Limited · 1 source

Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 20, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Ipratropium Bromide
Drug class
Anticholinergic
Form
Spray/Inhaler, metered
Strength
Ipratropium Bromide 0.021MG/INH
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
What the pharmacy pays
~$0.62 per ml — not your price
FDA application
NDA021527

What is Atrovent Hfa?

From the FDA label:The active ingredient in ATROVENT HFA is ipratropium bromide (monohydrate). It is an anticholinergic bronchodilator chemically described as 8-azoniabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, 3-(3-hydroxy-1-oxo-2-phenylpropoxy)-8-methyl-8-(1-methylethyl)-,bromide monohydrate, (3-endo, 8-syn)-: a synthetic quaternary ammonium compound, chemically related to atropine. The structural formula for ipratropium bromide is: C 20 H 30 BrNO 3 ∙H 2 O ipratropium bromide Mol. Wt. 430.4 Ipratropium bromide is a white to off-white crystalline substance, freely soluble in water and methanol, sparingly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in lipophilic solvents such as ether, chloroform, and fluorocarbons. ATROVENT HFA is a pressurized metered-dose aerosol unit for oral inhalation that contains a solution of ipratropium bromide. The 200 inhalation unit has a net weight of 12.9 grams. After priming, each actuation of the inhaler delivers 21 mcg of ipratropium bromide (monohydrate) from the valve in 56 mg of solution and delivers 17 mcg of ipratropium bromide (monohydrate) from the mouthpiece. The actual amount of drug delivered to the lung may depend on patient factors, such as the coordination between the actuation of the device and inspiration through the delivery system. The excipients are anhydrous citric acid, dehydrated alcohol, HFA-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) as propellant, and sterile water for…

How to use

The usual starting dosage of ATROVENT HFA is two inhalations four times a day. Patients may take additional inhalations as required; however, the total number of inhalations should not exceed 12 in 24 hours. ATROVENT HFA is a solution aerosol that does not require shaking. However, as with any other metered-dose inhaler, some coordination is required between actuating the canister and inhaling the medication. Patients should "prime" or actuate ATROVENT HFA before using for the first time by releasing 2 test sprays into the air away from the face. In cases where the inhaler has not been used for more than 3 days, prime the inhaler again by releasing 2 test sprays into the air away from the face. Patients should avoid spraying ATROVENT HFA into their eyes. Each inhaler provides sufficient medication for 200 actuations. The inhaler should be discarded after the labeled number of actuations has been used. The amount of medication in each actuation cannot be assured after this point, even though the canister is not completely empty. Patients should be instructed on the proper use of their inhaler [ see Patient Counseling Information (17) ]. For oral inhalation only Two inhalations four times a day, not to exceed 12 inhalations in 24 hours ( 2 )

Side effects

The following adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis [ see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Paradoxical Bronchospasm [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Ocular Effects [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Urinary Retention [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in patients. Most common adverse reactions (>5% incidence in the 12-week placebo-controlled trials) were bronchitis, COPD exacerbation, dyspnea, and headache ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-542-6257 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience The adverse reaction information concerning ATROVENT HFA is derived from two 12-week, double-blind, parallel-group studies and one 1-year open-label, parallel group study. These studies compared ATROVENT HFA Inhalation Aerosol, ATROVENT CFC Inhalation Aerosol, and placebo (in one study only) in 1,010 COPD patients. The following table lists the incidence of adverse reactions that occurred at a rate of…

Warnings

Important safety information

Not indicated for the initial treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm where rescue therapy is required for rapid response ( 5.1 ) Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis: Discontinue ATROVENT HFA at once and consider alternative treatments ( 5.2 ) Paradoxical bronchospasm: Discontinue ATROVENT HFA and consider other treatments if paradoxical bronchospasm occurs ( 5.3 ) Ocular effects: Use with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma and instruct patients to consult a physician immediately if signs or symptoms of narrow-angle glaucoma develop ( 5.4 ) Urinary retention: Use with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction and instruct patients to consult a physician immediately if signs or symptoms of urinary retention develop ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Use for Maintenance Treatment Only ATROVENT HFA is a bronchodilator for the maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD and is not indicated for the initial treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm where rescue therapy is required for rapid response. 5.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis Hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis, and oropharyngeal edema may occur after the administration of ATROVENT HFA. In clinical trials and postmarketing experience with ipratropium-containing products, hypersensitivity reactions such as skin rash, pruritus, angioedema of tongue, lips and face, urticaria (including giant urticaria), laryngospasm and anaphylactic reactions have been reported [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.2) ]. If such a reaction occurs, therapy with ATROVENT HFA should be stopped at once and alternative treatment should be considered [ see Contraindications (4) ] . 5.3 Paradoxical Bronchospasm ATROVENT HFA can produce paradoxical bronchospasm that can be life threatening. If this occurs, treatment with ATROVENT HFA should be stopped and other treatments considered. 5.4 Ocular Effects ATROVENT HFA is an anticholinergic and its use may increase intraocular pressure. This may result in precipitation or worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma. Therefore, ATROVENT HFA should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma [ see Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. Patients should avoid spraying ATROVENT HFA into their eyes. If a patient sprays ATROVENT HFA into their eyes, they may cause eye pain or discomfort, temporary blurring of vision, mydriasis, visual halos or colored images in association with red eyes from conjunctival and corneal congestion. Advise patients to consult their physician immediately if any of these symptoms develop while using ATROVENT HFA Inhalation Aerosol. 5.5 Urinary Retention ATROVENT HFA is an anticholinergic and may cause urinary retention. Therefore, caution is advised when administering ATROVENT HFA Inhalation Aerosol to patients with prostatic hyperplasia, or bladder-neck obstruction [ see Drug Interactions (7.1) ].

Who should not take Atrovent Hfa

ATROVENT HFA is contraindicated in the following conditions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Hypersensitivity to ipratropium bromide or other ATROVENT HFA components Hypersensitivity to atropine or any of its derivatives Hypersensitivity to ipratropium bromide or other ATROVENT HFA components ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to atropine or any of its derivatives ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

Acute overdose by inhalation is unlikely since ipratropium bromide is not well absorbed systemically after inhalation or oral administration.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

ATROVENT HFA has been used concomitantly with other drugs, including sympathomimetic bronchodilators, methylxanthines, oral and inhaled steroids commonly used in the treatment of COPD. With the exception of albuterol, there are no formal studies fully evaluating the interaction effects of ATROVENT HFA and these drugs with respect to safety and effectiveness. Anticholinergics: May interact additively with concomitantly used anticholinergic medications. Avoid administration of ATROVENT HFA with other anticholinergic-containing drugs ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Anticholinergic Agents There is potential for an additive interaction with concomitantly used anticholinergic medications. Therefore, avoid coadministration of ATROVENT HFA with other anticholinergic-containing drugs as this may lead to an increase in anticholinergic adverse effects [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4 , 5.5) ].

Drug class

How this class works, per Muscarinic Antagonists - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

See how Atrovent Hfa ranks — best-rated anticholinergic for:

Dosage forms

Spray/Inhaler, metered

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →

Request a 90-day supply

Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.

Use copay cards

Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Atrovent Hfa treat?
Atrovent Hfa (Ipratropium Bromide) may be used to treat bronchial spasm, bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, perennial allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
How does Atrovent Hfa work?
Atrovent Hfa is a anticholinergic. Anticholinergic drugs block acetylcholine, the chemical messenger of the body's "rest and digest" nervous system, by occupying its muscarinic receptors. This eases muscle spasms, dries up secretions, relaxes the bladder and airways, and speeds the heart, depending on the tissue.
How is Atrovent Hfa rated?
pharmaranks gives Atrovent Hfa a composite score of 3.6 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
How much does Atrovent Hfa cost?
Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $0.62 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
Is there a coupon or discount for Atrovent Hfa?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Atrovent Hfa. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Atrovent Hfa?
Atrovent Hfa is marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim. You can see Boehringer Ingelheim's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Atrovent Hfa a brand-name or generic drug?
Atrovent Hfa is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Ipratropium Bromide. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Ipratropium Bromide are available — ask your pharmacist.
Is Atrovent Hfa available over the counter?
No. Atrovent Hfa is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Atrovent Hfa come in?
Atrovent Hfa is currently marketed as spray/inhaler, metered, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Atrovent Hfa?
Atrovent Hfa is classified as anticholinergic, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Atrovent Hfa FDA-registered?
Atrovent Hfa is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA021527. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Has Atrovent Hfa been recalled by the FDA?
Atrovent Hfa has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
Is Atrovent Hfa safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Atrovent Hfa a recall-safety score of 72/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Atrovent Hfa?
Atrovent Hfa's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis [ see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Paradoxical Bronchospasm [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Ocular Effects [ see Wa… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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atrovent hfa

72/100