Combivent

Ipratropium Bromide/Albuterol (Salbutamol) Sulfate Drug Information

• Combivent Overview

  Combivent is used to treat and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes bronchitis and emphysema).ipratropium and albuterol (also known as salbutamol). Both drugs work by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that the airways open up and you can breathe more easily. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.

• How to Use Combivent

  Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using Combivent and each time you get a refill. Learn how to use this inhaler properly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Follow the instructions for priming the inhaler if you are using it for the first time or if you have not used it for more than 3 days or for more than 21 days. When priming the inhaler, make sure to spray away from the face so that you do not get the medication into your eyes. Inhale Combivent by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times daily. Your doctor may also direct you to use Combivent as needed for wheezing and shortness of breath. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. However, the manufacturer recommends that you do not use more than 6 inhalations in a 24-hour period. Doing so may increase the risk of serious side effects. The Dosage of Combivent is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Avoid getting Combivent into your eyes. It may cause eye pain/irritation, temporary blurred vision, and other vision changes. Therefore, when using the inhaler, put your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Rinse your mouth after using the inhaler to prevent dry mouth and throat irritation. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication. Use Combivent regularly to get the most benefit from it. Combivent works best if used at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use Combivent more often, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor. Clean the mouthpiece of the inhaler at least once a week as directed. Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often, or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

• Combivent Precautions

  Before using Combivent, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to ipratropium or albuterol (salbutamol); or to tiotropium; or to atropine or other belladonna-type drugs; or to levalbuterol; or if you have any other allergies. Combivent may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Combivent, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,high blood pressure, heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate), seizure, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes. Combivent may make you dizzy or blur your vision or cause vision changes. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Combivent, especially problems urinating or constipation. During pregnancy, Combivent should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if Combivent passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Combivent Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Combivent, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Combivent Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Albuterol is very similar to levalbuterol. Do not use medications containing levalbuterol while using albuterol.

• Combivent Side Effects

  What are Combivent side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Combivent may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Combivent as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Combivent

  The side effects of Combivent may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Combivent. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Combivent may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Combivent, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Combivent.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Combivent, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Combivent and the side effects associated with Combivent are described in the following:

  Common Combivent Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • headache disorder
  • dry throat
  • flu-like symptoms
  • bronchitis
  • upper respiratory infection
  • dyspnea
  • tremor
  • vomiting
  • nervousness
  • tachycardia
  • nausea
  • rhinitis
  • upper respiratory infection

  Less Frequent Combivent Side Effects

  Severe

  • paradoxical bronchospasm
  • diabetes mellitus

  Less Severe

  • xerostomia
  • dizziness
  • cough
  • chest pain
  • rhinitis
  • sinusitis
  • urinary tract infection
  • dyspepsia
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • hypertension
  • sore throat
  • bronchial irritation
  • xerostomia
  • mouth irritation
  • depression
  • drowsy
  • dizziness
  • insomnia
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • hyperhidrosis
  • dysgeusia
  • headache disorder
  • dry throat
  • cough
  • hyperkinesis
  • flatulence
  • chills
  • tinnitus
  • cramps in legs
  • eructation
  • migraine
  • back pain
  • fever
  • urinary tract infection
  • voice change
  • edema
  • ataxia

  Rare or Very Rare Combivent Side Effects

  Severe

  • ocular pain
  • stomatitis
  • pruritus of skin
  • urticaria
  • angioedema
  • skin rash
  • anaphylaxis
  • pharyngeal edema
  • aggravated glaucoma
  • hypokalemia
  • paradoxical bronchospasm
  • angioedema
  • chest pain
  • urticaria
  • abnormal ECG
  • pharyngeal edema
  • angina
  • metabolic acidosis
  • myocardial ischemia
  • anaphylaxis

  Less Severe

  • blurred vision
  • visual changes
  • hypotension
  • mydriasis
  • general weakness
  • urinary retention
  • dysgeusia
  • palpitations
  • nausea
  • drowsy
  • edema
  • vomiting
  • corneal edema
  • laryngismus
  • ocular hypertension
  • nasal congestion
  • conjunctival hyperemia
  • hoarseness
  • heartburn
  • flushing
  • hyperhidrosis
  • muscle spasm
  • muscle weakness
  • myalgias
  • palpitations
  • skin rash
  • pharyngitis
  • hyperglycemia
  • vertigo

• Combivent Storage

  Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. The inhaler should be discarded when it becomes locked (which means that all the medication is used up) or 3 months after putting the cartridge in the inhaler, even if there is medication left in the cartridge. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Combivent when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.