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Antimuscarinic nasal spray (rhinorrhoea)

Ipratropium Bromide 0.03% Nasal Spray (Rinatec)

Brand names: Rinatec

Used in: COPD Asthma

Ipratropium bromide nasal spray (Rinatec) is a topical anticholinergic used specifically to reduce watery rhinorrhoea, including in non-allergic and vasomotor rhinitis.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

As a topical antimuscarinic agent, it blocks acetylcholine at glandular muscarinic receptors in the nasal mucosa, reducing serous secretion and the runny nose, but it does not relieve congestion, sneezing or itch.

Prescribing in practice

  • It targets rhinorrhoea only and will not help nasal blockage, sneezing or itch, so expectations and choice of therapy should reflect this.
  • Use with caution and avoid spraying into the eyes in patients with glaucoma or bladder outflow obstruction, given its anticholinergic action.
  • Local nasal dryness, irritation and epistaxis can occur with regular use.

Monitoring

Monitor symptomatic response (reduction in nasal discharge) and check for local nasal dryness or bleeding at review.

Counselling the patient

  • It helps a runny nose but not a blocked, itchy or sneezy nose.
  • Take care to avoid getting the spray in your eyes.
  • Tell the clinician if you have glaucoma or difficulty passing urine.

Evidence & guidelines

Intranasal ipratropium is recognised as effective for the rhinorrhoea component of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis in UK prescribing references and ARIA guidance.

Reference: BSACI Non-Allergic Rhinitis Guidelines; Rinatec SPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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