Any tips on remembering Ventolin vs. Atrovent?

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Just wondering if anyone has any good tips for differentiating Ventolin (Salbutamol) and Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide). I know the class, action, side effects for each but I find they are often prescribed together, and when my clinical instructor quizzes me on them I have a hard time remembering which is which. Anyone else have this problem or a similar difficulty with other medications?

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ventolin(salbutamol) is a beta-adrenergic agonist used mainly for bronchodilation with patients who has asthma. ATrovent is an anticholinergic which opens the lungs by relaxing the muscles around the airways which acts also to dry up mucus production within the nose. The content of atrovent which is ipratropium is a derivative of atropine. It provides almost a complete protection against bronchospasm induced by a variety of agents. its therapeutic effect is most pronounced in COPD patients.

hope this will help you

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Specializes in Emergency.

Ventolin activates the sns (fight or flight) while atrovent activates the pns (rest & digest). You get to the same place via 2 routes. That's how i explain the meds to pts. Most folks get that.

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