What it means
A short-acting anticholinergic bronchodilator given by inhaler or nebulizer for COPDsee-oh-pee-dee (said as letters)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.chronic long-lastingobstructive blockingpulmon/o lung-ary relating toFull entry and, with albuterol, for asthma attacks (DuoNeb, Combivent Respimat). A nasal spray treats a runny nose. Because little is absorbed, side effects are mostly dry mouth, cough and a bitter taste.
For the nurse
Teach correct inhaler technique and to keep the spray out of the eyes, since it can blur vision or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma. Sucking hard candy helps a dry mouth.
At a glance
| Drug class | anticholinergic bronchodilator (short-acting muscarinic antagonist) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Atrovent HFA; with albuterol: Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb |
| Also written | Atrovent, Atrovent HFA |
Related terms
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.
wheezing
A high-pitched, whistling sound made as air moves through narrowed airways.
inhalation
Breathing in; also, a way of giving a drug as a mist or powder that is breathed into the lungs.
tiotropium
A long-acting inhaled drug, taken once a day, that keeps the airways open.