Anticholinergic therapy in the critically ill patient with bronchospasm

The well known side effects of anticholinergic therapy led this class of drugs to fall into disfavor. Since then, inhaled anticholinergics have been developed that result in few side effects but many positive clinical outcomes. Ipratropium bromide has emerged as an important pharmacologic agent for use in chronic lung disease and asthma. This article reviews the science related to the use of ipratropium in adults and children and suggests implications for use in critical care.