Health Library Anticholinergics for Cystic FibrosisFrom Healthwise

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 medicines can be taken by using an inhaler or a nebulizer.

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

Anticholinergics do not work for all people who have cystic fibrosis. More research is needed to know just how well they work for people who have cystic fibrosis.

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.)

If you have the eye disease glaucoma, talk with an eye doctor before you start taking anticholinergics. People who have glaucoma may need to be watched more closely while they are taking these medicines.

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

Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: June 23, 2009
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology
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