An anticholinergic spray for a constantly runny nose
Ipratropium (nasal spray)
A nasal spray for a constantly runny nose (rhinorrhoea), which dries up the watery discharge but does not relieve a blocked or itchy nose.
What is Ipratropium (nasal spray)?
Ipratropium nasal spray is used mainly for a persistently runny nose (rhinorrhoea), such as a watery drip that will not stop. It works by drying up the watery secretions, but it does not help a blocked nose, sneezing or itching, and it can cause nasal dryness or crusting with regular use.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Ipratropium (nasal spray) — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Ipratropium nasal spray is an antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) medicine used specifically for a constantly runny nose — for example the watery drip of some forms of rhinitis or a nose that runs in the cold. Its job is to dry up the watery discharge; it does not unblock the nose or relieve itching and sneezing, which is why it is often used alongside other treatments.
How it works
A runny nose comes partly from glands in the nasal lining producing watery fluid, controlled by nerve signals using a chemical called acetylcholine. Ipratropium blocks acetylcholine at those glands, so they produce less fluid and the nose runs less. Because it works only on the watery secretions, it does nothing for the swelling that causes blockage or for the itch and sneeze of allergy.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Originally developed by Boehringer Ingelheim..
Ipratropium is an antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) medicine introduced in the 1970s, used in inhaled and nasal forms.
Practical use
How to take Ipratropium (nasal spray)
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Blow your nose gently, then prime the spray if it is new or unused for a while.
- Insert the nozzle into the nostril and give a spray into each nostril, keeping your head upright.
- Avoid spraying towards your eyes and take care not to let any drift into them, as it can blur vision.
- Use it only as often as needed to control the runny nose, since it can dry the lining.
- Wipe the nozzle after use and do not share the spray.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Ipratropium (nasal spray)
Advantages
- Effective specifically for a persistent watery runny nose.
- Acts locally with little absorbed into the body.
- Can be combined with a steroid or antihistamine spray that covers other symptoms.
Disadvantages
- Does not help blockage, sneezing or itching.
- Can cause nasal dryness, crusting or minor nosebleeds.
- Must be kept out of the eyes, where it can blur vision.
Practical use
Good to know
Ipratropium targets one symptom — the watery runny nose — so it is best when a persistent drip is the main problem, and it is often combined with a steroid or antihistamine spray that covers blockage, itching and sneezing. Because it dries secretions, it can leave the nose feeling dry or cause crusting and occasional minor nosebleeds, so it is used at the lowest helpful frequency. Be careful not to get the spray in your eyes, as it can blur vision. Anyone with glaucoma or prostate or bladder problems should mention it before use.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to ipratropium or the spray's ingredients.
- People with glaucoma should use it with caution and avoid getting it in the eyes.
- People with prostate or bladder-emptying problems should check with a pharmacist or doctor first.
Monitoring
- Whether the runny nose is well controlled
- Nasal dryness, crusting or nosebleeds
- Any eye symptoms or, in those at risk, urinary problems
Side effects
- Nasal dryness, irritation or crusting.
- Minor nosebleeds.
- Occasionally a dry mouth, headache or, if it reaches the eyes, blurred vision.
Key interactions
- Few important interactions because little is absorbed.
- Effects may add to other antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) medicines — tell your pharmacist your other medicines.
- Other nasal sprays can be used together but are best spaced apart.
Available as: Nasal spray.
Answers
Ipratropium (nasal spray): frequently asked questions
Will ipratropium unblock my nose?
No. Ipratropium is for a watery, runny nose only — it dries up the discharge but does not relieve blockage, itching or sneezing. For those symptoms a steroid nasal spray or antihistamine is needed, and the two are often used together.
Why does my nose feel dry when I use it?
Because ipratropium works by reducing watery secretions, it can leave the nose feeling dry and sometimes cause crusting or minor nosebleeds. Using it only as often as you need helps keep this to a minimum.
What happens if it gets in my eyes?
It can blur vision temporarily and irritate the eye, so aim away from your eyes and take care not to let any drift into them. If it does get in, rinse with water and let your vision settle; seek advice if it persists, especially if you have glaucoma.
Can I use it with a steroid spray?
Yes. Because ipratropium only tackles the runny nose, it is often combined with a steroid or antihistamine spray that covers blockage, itching and sneezing. A pharmacist or prescriber can advise on using them together.
What is the difference between ipratropium and Rinatec?
They are the same medicine — ipratropium is the active-ingredient name and Rinatec is the brand of the nasal spray. Both contain the same active ingredient.
The wider class
About Nasal sprays (anticholinergic)
Ipratropium (nasal spray) belongs to the nasal sprays (anticholinergic) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF: Ipratropium bromide (nasal).
- NICE CKS: Ipratropium.
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