Ipratropium Bromide Used For Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

How it works

Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic (parasympatholytic) agent it appears to inhibits the vagally mediated reflexes by antagonising the action of acetylcholine, the transmitter agent released from the vagus nerve. Anticholinergics prevent the increase in intracellular concentration of Ca++ which is caused by interaction of acetylcholine with the muscarinic receptor on bronchial smooth muscle. The bronchodilation following inhalation of ipratropium bromide is induced by local drug concentrations sufficient for anticholinergic efficacy at the bronchial smooth muscle and not by systemic concentrations.