Rinatec (ipratropium bromide) is a nasal spray predominantly used to alleviate nasal symptoms resulting from allergies or the common cold, usually a runny nose. Less commonly it may be used to treat nasal symptoms from other causes.

This product is safe for patients age 5 and up. It may be used while pregnant or breastfeeding.

What Rinatec Treats---and Doesn't

Rinatec works best against a runny nose, which, in an allergic reaction, develops when the body is exposed to particulates that the mucous membranes in the nasal passages try to prevent from penetrating further by producing excess mucous. In a cold, a runny nose is caused more by the mucous membranes becoming inflamed. In both cases the runny nose is at best annoying, and at worst can be painful and disruptive.

A runny nose can cause congestion, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. However, Rinatec will not help much with a stuffy nose, in which mucus is not expelled from the nose. Nor will it directly help alleviate sneezing or coughing, though these may both deteriorate to some extent as the mucous membranes of the nasal passage are soothed and mucus production is reduced.

Causes of a runny nose that Rinatec should not be used to treat include:

• Opioid withdrawal
• Genetic disorders
• Nasal tumors
• Head trauma
• Hormonal changes
• Cluster headaches

For those suffering a runny nose from allergies or a cold, however, Rinatec offers an easy and safe solution.

Using Rinatec

Rinatec comes in a vial with an applicator built into the top. Each dose administers the exact same amount of medication for easy dosing. Vials will need to be primed prior to first use and if unused for more than 24 hours:

• Activate the pump 7 times prior to first use, spraying it into the air.
• If unused for more than 24 hours to 7 days, re-prime it by activating the pump 2 times into the air.
• If unused for more than 7 days, it should be re-primed by activating the pump 7 times once again, as if using for the first time.

Once primed, treatment is simple:

• Patients age 12 and up should administer 2 sprays in each nostril 3 or 4 times per day.
• Patients age 5 to 11 should administer 2 sprays in each nostril 3 times per day.
• Use should not exceed 3 consecutive weeks.

Dosage may vary to some extent by patient; a doctor may advise some to utilize one spray per nostril, others may be told to administer the medication four times per day, and so on. It is very rare, however, for use to exceed three consecutive weeks.

Effects are noticeable about 15 to 30 minutes after administration, and last 5 to 6 hours. Most patients find their runny nose, and related complications, are nearly or completely eliminated while Rinatec is active.

Adverse Reactions

Side effects from Rinatec are uncommon and typically very mild. Most commonly reported are:

• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Dry nose
• Mild nosebleed
• Sore throat
• Mild vision blurring

The above are not cause for concern unless severe enough to be disruptive. All should cease completely when treatment ends.

Rarely more serious side effects occur, which call for medical attention:

• Seeing halos or other hallucinations
• Severe blurred vision
• Other vision changes
• Severe nosebleed
• Difficult and/or painful urination

Other medications may interact with Rinatec, though this is somewhat unlikely given the administration method. Other nasally-administered medications may be a concern. To be on the safe side, double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments.