Anticholinergics for cystic fibrosis

Examples

---

Brand Name	Chemical Name
Atrovent	ipratropium bromide

How It Works

---

Ipratropium helps keep the tubes in the lungs (bronchial tubes) from narrowing.

Anticholinergics begin to work within 15 minutes. They work best after 1 to 2 hours, usually last 3 to 4 hours, and sometimes last up to 6 hours. Anticholinergic medications can be taken by using an inhaler or a nebulizer.

Why It Is Used

---

Anticholinergics are sometimes used along with bronchodilators to improve breathing when inflammation or lots of mucus in the lungs makes it hard to breathe.

How Well It Works

---

Anticholinergics do not work for all people who have cystic fibrosis.

Side Effects

---

Side effects are rare with inhaled ipratropium but can include:

• A dry mouth.
• Increased wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe).

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

---

Anticholinergics have not been used for very long to treat people who have cystic fibrosis. More research is needed to know just how well they work.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Credits

---

Author	Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology
Last Updated	June 26, 2007