Most medical conditions can be treated by several types of medication, which can sometimes be used in combination. A doctor’s decision to prescribe one drug over another can have several reasons, including the patient’s preference, medical restrictions, and potential interactions with other medications. In the case of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), more specifically, conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, treatment options include steroids, rescue inhalers, and bronchodilators.

With Atrovent being a commonly prescribed medication for COPD and asthma, read this article to find out whether this medication is considered a steroid, bronchodilator, or rescue inhaler. You will also learn how it supports patients with chronic respiratory conditions.

What are Steroids?

Steroids, in the context of asthma and COPD, target inflammation in the airways to help patients breathe easier and prevent symptoms and flare-ups. They are usually used long-term as inhalers. In more severe circumstances, they can also be administered orally or intravenously. Inhaled steroids are often a significant part of asthma management, used to control airway inflammation, and are typically combined with bronchodilators and rescue inhalers. However, they are less commonly used in people with COPD. However, they can be used as an added treatment measure, for instance, when flare-ups are frequent, or asthma is also present.

What is a Rescue Inhaler?

Patients with asthma and COPD both use rescue inhalers during a sudden breathing attack, which often involves wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. As the name suggests, this type of medication is used in emergencies and provides relief within minutes, with effects lasting approximately four to six hours. Rescue inhalers contain short-acting bronchodilators. Individuals with COPD often use rescue inhalers more regularly than asthma patients, e.g. during sudden symptom worsening or flare-ups. However, they are not a substitute for daily maintenance medications, such as long-acting bronchodilators. Individuals with asthma should not use a rescue inhaler more than twice weekly, at which point they should adjust their long-term asthma management.

Is Atrovent a Steroid, Rescue Inhaler, or Bronchodilator?

Atrovent is neither considered a steroid nor a rescue inhaler, but rather a bronchodilator intended for long-term use. It's often prescribed to COPD patients as well as an add-on treatment in asthma patients. It effectively addresses symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness.

The active ingredient in Atrovent is ipratropium bromide, which acts in the nervous system by blocking a specific chemical messenger, acetylcholine. Acetylcholine causes the muscles surrounding the airways to contract, thereby narrowing the airways and making breathing more difficult. However, Atrovent causes the opposite effect by relaxing the muscles around the bronchial tubes, thereby widening the airways and improving airflow.

Purchasing Atrovent at Canada Drugs Direct

If you’re looking to buy Atrovent, have you considered Canada Drugs Direct? We offer significant savings on brand-name and generic medications, a 125% price match guarantee to ensure you receive the best deals, a rewards program for loyal customers, and around-the-clock ordering. These benefits are complemented by secure ordering through Norton Shopping Guarantee, as well as discreet and affordable shipping, reflected in over 26,000 5-star customer ratings.