Combivent Respimat

The active ingredients of Combivent Respimat are ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate. Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic that reduces smooth muscle contractions, helping to relax the muscles in your lungs. Albuterol sulfate is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) that also acts on the smooth muscles in your lungs to help them relax and open up your airways (bronchodilation) more quickly during flare-ups.

It is indicated for the maintenance of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when one inhaler is insufficient. It is a scheduled medication and is not intended for rescue inhaler use.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Combivent Respimat. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Combivent Respimat:

When preparing the inhaler for first use, follow these directions:

1. Remove the clear base by pressing the safety catch and firmly pulling off the clear base - do not touch the piercing element. Write the discard by date (3 months from today) on the label.

2. Insert the cartridge, narrow end first, into the inhaler. Then place the inhaler on a firm surface and push down firmly until the cartridge clicks into place.

3. Replace the clear base until it clicks into place.

4. Turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows until it clicks.

5. Open the cap, point the inhaler towards the ground, and press the dose-release button.

6. If a mist does not appear, repeat steps 4 and 5. Once a mist is seen, repeat steps 4 and 5 three more times to prime the inhaler.

For daily use, follow these steps (T-O-P):

1. Turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows until it clicks.

2. Open the cap.

3. Breathe out away from the inhaler, then place the mouthpiece between your lips and form a seal. Ensure your fingers are not covering the vent.

4. Press the dose button and take a long, deep breath in through your mouth, then remove the inhaler and hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as possible.

5. Breathe out slowly and gently.

6. To clean the mouthpiece, use a damp cloth or tissue at least once a week.

7. Watch the dose indicator on the canister. Once the indicator enters the red area, there are approximately 7 days left of medication.

The most common side effects of Combivent Respimat include:

• Common cold symptoms.
• Upper respiratory infection.
• Cough.
• Bronchitis.
• Headache.
• Dry mouth.
• Constipation.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Combivent Respimat. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Worsening bronchospasm, wheezing, chest pain.
• Heart problems, including dizziness, fatigue, irregular heart rhythm, and irregular heartbeat.
• Vision changes, including eye pain, blurred vision, and seeing halos around lights
• Serious allergic reactions include skin rash, hives, or anaphylaxis.
• Low potassium levels with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, irregular heartbeat, and muscle cramps.
• Trouble urinating.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Combivent Respimat. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Combivent Respimat, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Narrow-angle glaucoma - may be worsened by the use of ipratropium bromide.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or bladder-neck obstruction - urinary retention may be worsened by the use of ipratropium bromide.
• Convulsive disorders, cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure, coronary artery disease), hyperthyroidism, and diabetes - may be worsened by the use of albuterol sulfate.

Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in Combivent Respimat, atropine, or any of its derivatives.

You should feel the immediate effects of albuterol within a few minutes, but the ipratropium may take a few weeks to have an effect on relaxing the smooth muscle in the airways.

When Combivent Respimat is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Anticholinergic medications, such as atropine, diphenhydramine, scopolamine, amitriptyline, and doxepin - may have additive anticholinergic effects when combined with ipratropium.
• Beta-adrenergic agonists, including salmeterol and formoterol - may have additive beta-agonist effects when combined with albuterol.
• Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, atenolol, and metoprolol - would inhibit the effect of albuterol.
• Diuretics, such as furosemide or spironolactone - may worsen the low potassium (hypokalemia) when used with albuterol.
• Antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants - may increase the cardiovascular effects of Combivent Respimat.

Combivent Respimat is an inhalation spray that contains 20 mcg ipratropium bromide and 100 mcg albuterol per actuation.

Combivent Respimat should be stored at room temperature, away from the reach of children or pets.

It is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.

No, there is no generic version of Combivent Respimat, but similar products are available in separate inhalers as generic ipratropium and albuterol.

You should not stop this medication without consulting your doctor first. Stopping this medication suddenly can increase your risk of sudden breathing problems.

Neither albuterol nor ipratropium has been tested in pregnant people, though, as it is not absorbed systemically, it is expected to be safe in pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Neither albuterol nor ipratropium has been tested in nursing people, though, as it is not absorbed systemically, it is expected to be safe for a nursing infant.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.