Combivent is a metered-dose inhaler containing a combination of albuterol and ipratropium. Albuterol and ipratropium are bronchodilators that relax muscles in the airways and increase air flow to the lungs. It is used to prevent airway spasms (also known as bronchospasms) caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Combivent begin working within 15 minutes, and the effects of a dose last about four to five hours, on average.
Directions
Use Combivent exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended starting dose for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is two sprays of Combivent four times a day. You should not take more than 12 inhalations of Combivent in 24 hours. Shake the inhaler for at least 10 seconds just before each spray. The spray should be inhaled into the lungs, not sprayed onto the back of the throat and swallowed.
Precautions
Before using Combivent tell your doctor if you have heart disease, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, glaucoma, epilepsy, problems with urination, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), high blood pressure (hypertension), fast heart rate (tachycardia), irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.
Contraindications
You should not use Combivent if you are allergic to albuterol, ipratropium, atropine, soybeans, peanuts. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Possible side effect
Stop using Combivent and get emergency medical help if you have increased blood pressure, hives, vision problems, difficulty breathing, chest pain, bronchospasm, swelling of your face, lips, seizure, coughing, pneumonia, sinus infections, stuffy or runny nose. Less serious Combivent side effects may include: diarrhea, leg cramps, headache, nausea, upset stomach.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: diuretics (furosemide, metolazone, bumetanide), digoxin, diet pills, methantheline, glycopyrrolate, MAO inhibitors (tranylcypromine, phenelzine, furazolidone), beta-blockers (carvedilol, propranolol, atenolol), bronchodilators (tiotropium, ipratropium), clidinium, atropine, scopolamine, medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease (trihexyphenidyl, benztropine), tricyclic antidepressants (doxepin, clomipramine, nortriptyline).
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are nausea, uneven heart rate, sweating, chest pain, weakness, dry mouth, abdominal pain, blurred vision, difficulty urinating.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat and moisture.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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