Atrovent (ipratropium) Causes Xerostomia/Dry Mouth/Cotton Mouth

Atrovent, which is the name brand for ipratropium, is a bronchodilator. This drug assists in clearing a person's airways so that air may freely pass. Its uses are to treat patients who suffer from breathing disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. Atrovent's other uses are in the form of a nasal spray to reduce the instances of runny noses that may be the result of allergies or other nasal disorders. Though these medications are relievers, as well as lifesavers for those who suffer from such diseases, they also have side effects. One of the side effects, which are prevalent in many users of Atrovent, is Xerostomia, which is the medical term for dry mouth or cotton mouth.

With the use of bronchodilators such as Atrovent, dry mouth occurs because such the drug reduces the amount of mucous that the respiratory system secretes. It does this in order to improve breathing. The same is the case with the nasal sprays. In order for the spray to stop a runny nose, the medication reduces the production of mucous in the nasal cavity. The problem is that both forms of the medication do not differentiate between good mucous and bad mucous. Thus, it also causes the mouth to become dry as a result of the diminished generation of mucous. This causes dry mouth (cotton mouth, Xerostomia) to occur in many sufferers.

For those that suffer from Xerostomia (dry mouth, cotton mouth), it is important to be aware of the doses and times of the medication administration. The easiest solution for this condition is to discontinue use of the Atrovent. In most circumstances, this type of medication is going to have similar side effects and will also cause Xerostomia (dry mouth, cotton mouth). For many medications such as this, discontinuing the use of the drug is not an option. The option of using the medicine at a specific time can also be ruled out, because most bronchodilators are used as rescue inhalers when breathing becomes difficult. A suggestion is to use saliva substitutes that can be prescribed by a physician. Another simple aid is to drink plenty of liquids. This will help to increase the amount of fluids in the body.

Though this condition is not the most comfortable to deal with, the patient that uses such medications does not have to do so very often. The less the medication is used, the less likely it is that the instances of Xerostomia (dry mouth, cotton mouth) will occur.

Sources:

Atrovent (ipratropium bromide), Atrovent, FDA

Dry Mouth, Dry Mouth - FOLO, Families of Loved Ones Magazine