Ipratropium nasal spray is a prescription medication used to treat runny noses in people with seasonal allergies or colds. It works by preventing the secretion of new mucus by the glands in the nostrils. The medication comes in a metered-dose spray inhaler that is designed to be used two to three times a day. There are few risks of side effects or drug interactions with ipratropium nasal spray, but it is still important to inform a doctor of any medication use or chronic health conditions before starting treatment to make sure complications do not arise.
Rhinorrhea, the medical term for a runny nose, is a significant nuisance for children and adults who have hay fever and other types of seasonal allergies. An acute cold can also cause irritating rhinorrhea in addition to other uncomfortable symptoms. Ipratropium nasal spray dries out the nasal passages by blocking the seromucous glands, pores that become overactive and secrete large amounts of mucus in the presence of allergic and viral pathogens. When the spray is used regularly as instructed by a doctor, rhinorrhea tends to improve over the course of just a few minutes or hours. The medication does not help with other hay fever or cold symptoms such as sneezing or sinus congestion.
When ipratropium nasal spray is prescribed for allergies, it is prepared in a 0.03 percent solution. Patients over the age of six are instructed to deeply inhale two sprays per nostril two to three times a day. The nasal spray can safely be used every day for the extent of the allergy season, which usually lasts between one and three months for most people. Ipratropium spray for colds comes in a 0.06 percent solution designed to be used twice daily for exactly four days. Continuing to use the medication after the fourth day can increase the chances of irritation and excessive dryness.
Most people do not experience side effects when using ipratropium nasal spray. It is possible to have nasal dryness and sporadic nosebleeds, especially if a person uses the spray more often than is directed. Rarely, the medication can cause a sore throat, dizziness, blurry vision, nausea, or eye irritation. Allergic reactions are very uncommon but may become serious if they do occur. It is important to seek medical attention right away if a skin rash and major breathing difficulties arise after using ipratropium nasal spray.