Ipratropium is an anticholinergic drug used in the control of symptoms related to bronchospasm in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ipratropium is a quaternary ammonium derivative of atropine that acts as an anticholinergic agent.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 3 references
Ipratropium acts as an antagonist of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. This effect produces the inhibition of the parasympathetic nervous system in the airways and hence, inhibit their function. The function of the parasympathetic system in the airway is to generate bronchial secretions and constriction and hence, the inhibition of this action can lead to bronchodilation and fewer secretions.
At the cellular level, the diameter of the airways is controlled by the release of acetylcholine into the muscle cells causing them to contract and producing a narrow airway. Thus administration of ipratropium stops the activity of acetylcholine in the smooth muscle preventing the contraction and producing relaxed airways.
- Primary indication
- Inhaled ipratropium is indicated in combination with inhaled beta-agonist systemic corticosteroids for the management of severe exacerbations of asthma flares requiring treatment.Curator reviewed · 11 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C20H30NO3 · 332.463 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1992 · United States, 1986
- Also known as
- Ipratropium ion
- Brand names
Resolves to
OEXHQOGQTVQTAT-BHIXFJMTSA-NSMILES[H][C@]12CC[C@]([H])(C[C@@H](C1)OC(=O)C(CO)C1=CC=CC=C1)[N+]2(C)C(C)CWhat you can answer from here — as of August 31, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Ipratropium, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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