Ipratropium bromide

Added to salbutamol in severe asthma and COPD flares. 500 micrograms nebulised every 4–6 hours (250 micrograms in children).

Short-acting antimuscarinic bronchodilatorReviewed October 2026
On this page

Dose

AgeDose
Adult and child 12 years and over500 micrograms nebulised every 4–6 hours
5–11 years250 micrograms every 20–30 minutes for the first 2 hours, then 4–6-hourly
Under 5125–250 micrograms

Cautions

  • Dry mouth, urinary retention; can worsen angle-closure glaucoma (use a mouthpiece rather than a mask).

Frequently asked questions

When is ipratropium added in asthma?

In acute severe or life-threatening asthma, or when the response to salbutamol is poor.

Used in these guides

Sources

  1. Drugs.com: Ipratropium dosage

Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.