The Combination of Ipratropium and Albuterol Is More Effective Than Either Agent Alone

Abstract

Anticholinergic bronchodilators have been used since the beginning of recorded time. The datura genus of plants that contains anticholinergic alkaloids, including atropine, has been used by man for several thousand years for “recreational and various nefarious purposes” 1 Gross N Skorodin MS Anticholinergic, antimuscarinic bronchodilators. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1984; 129: 856-870 Crossref PubMed Scopus (232) Google Scholar The anticholinergics have been used as bronchodilators for at least 300 years. 2 Gandevia B Historical review of the use of parasympatholytic agents in the treatment of respiratory disorders. Postgrad Med I. 1975; 51: 7:13-20 Google Scholar Stramonium powders, burned and inhaled, are still used worldwide, often in underdeveloped countries. 3 Weiner N Atropine, scopolamine and related antimuscarinic drugs. in: Gilman AG Goodman LS Gilman A The pharmacologic basis of therapeutics. 6th. MacMillan, New York1980: 135 Google Scholar , 4 Beakley JF Bresnick E Levinson L et al. Evaluation of therapeutic substances employed for the relief of bronchospasms: III. Anticholinergic agents. Ann Allergy. 1949; 7: 113-121 Google Scholar Several anticholinergics are regularly prescribed by physicians worldwide, including atropine, ipratropium bromide, thiazinamium, oxitropium, and glycopyrrolate. Only ipratropium bromide is licensed for use in the United States.