Combivent prescription

Combivent

This page contains drug information on Combivent.
The information provided includes the following:

what is Combivent
the possible side effects of Combivent
what happens if you miss a dose of Combivent
what happens if you overdose with Combivent
the most important information about Combivent
how to use Combivent
other drugs that may affect Combivent
what to avoid while using Combivent

Generic Name: albuterol and ipratropium inhalation (al BU ter ole and ih prah TROE pee um in huh LAY shun)
Brand Names: Combivent, DuoNeb

What is the most important information I should know about albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?

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It is very important that the albuterol and ipratropium inhaler or nebulized solution is used properly, so that the medicine gets into the lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler or nebulizer use.

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Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of worsening lung function.

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Do not use the albuterol and ipratropium inhaler (Combivent) if you have a soya lecithin allergy (e.g., an allergy to soybeans or peanuts).

What is albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?

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Albuterol is a bronchodilator. It relaxes muscles in the airways, which improves breathing. Ipratropium is used to prevent bronchospasm, which narrows airways. By preventing narrowing of the airways, ipratropium increases air flow to the lungs.

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Albuterol and ipratropium inhalation is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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Albuterol and ipratropium inhalation may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?

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Do not use the albuterol and ipratropium inhaler (Combivent) if you have a soya lecithin allergy (e.g., an allergy to soybeans or peanuts).

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Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

heart disease or high blood pressure,

epilepsy or another seizure disorder,

diabetes,

an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism),

glaucoma (the narrow-angle form),

an enlarged prostate or a bladder obstruction, or

liver or kidney disease.

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You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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Albuterol and ipratropium inhalation is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

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It is not known whether albuterol and ipratropium inhalation passes into breast milk. Do not use albuterol and ipratropium inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?

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Use albuterol and ipratropium inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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To use the inhaler:

You may want to "test-spray" the inhalation unit three times before using it for the first time and if it has not been used for 24 hours or more. Doing so will ensure that your first dose will deliver the proper amount of medication.

Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully. Put the mouthpiece of the inhaler or spacer into your mouth. Be sure the mouthpiece is above the tongue and past the teeth. Alternatively, place the inhaler (not spacer) several inches in front of your open mouth, if directed to do so by your doctor. Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly.

If your doses consist of more than one puff each, wait approximately 2 minutes, shake the inhaler again, then repeat the inhalation procedure.

Throw the inhaler away after 200 inhalations. The amount of medication in each inhalation cannot be assured after 200 sprays.

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To use the solution for nebulization:

Open one ampule (or the prescribed amount of medication) and empty it into the medication chamber of the nebulizer.

Attach the mouthpiece or face mask to the drug chamber. Then, attach the drug chamber to the compressor. Sit upright, in a comfortable position, and put the mouthpiece into your mouth or put the face mask on, covering the nose and mouth. Breathe slowly and evenly until all of the medicine has been inhaled (usually 5 to 15 minutes). The treatment is complete when no more mist is formed by the nebulizer and the drug chamber is empty.

Clean the nebulizer after each treatment as directed by the manufacturer.

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If you also use a steroid inhaler, use the albuterol and ipratropium inhaler first to open up the airways, then use the steroid inhaler as directed unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

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It is important to use albuterol and ipratropium inhalation regularly to get the most benefit.

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Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed.

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Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any medication for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of worsening lung function.

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Your doctor may want you to have lung function tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with albuterol and ipratropium inhalation to monitor progress and side effects.

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Keep the inhaler clean and dry. Keep the mouthpiece capped to avoid getting dirt inside it. Clean the inhaler when necessary by removing the canister and immersing the mouthpiece in warm water. Allow the parts to dry, then reassemble the inhaler.

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Carry the inhaler with you at all times in case of emergencies. Get a refill before you run out of medicine and before going on vacation.

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Store the inhaler or solution for nebulization at room temperature protected from light, moisture, and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

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If you are using albuterol and ipratropium on an as needed basis, use the missed dose when it is needed, then wait the prescribed amount of time before using another dose.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

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Symptoms of an overdose of albuterol and ipratropium include angina or chest pain, irregular heartbeats or a fluttering heart, seizures, tremor, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while using albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?

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Avoid situations that may trigger an asthma attack, such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet hair.

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Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. Albuterol and ipratropium in the eyes may cause eye pain, blurred vision, dilated pupils, and unusual color perception. If medication gets into the eyes, rinse the eyes with water and seek medical attention.

What are the possible side effects of albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?

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Stop using albuterol and ipratropium inhalation and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

chest pain or irregular heartbeats.

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use albuterol and ipratropium inhalation and talk to your doctor if you experience

headache or dizziness;

insomnia;

tremor or nervousness;

blurred vision;

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; or

dry mouth or cough.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?

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Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

a beta-blocker such as acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin), carvedilol (Coreg), metoprolol (Lopressor), propranolol (Inderal), and others;

a diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), torsemide (Demadex), hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), chlorothiazide (Diuril), and others;

a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;

a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);

a medicine such as atropine, belladonna, clidinium (Quarzan), dicyclomine (Bentyl), scopolamine (Transderm-Scop), propantheline (Pro-Banthine), mepenzolate (Cantil), methantheline (Banthine), methscopolamine (Pamine), and others; or

caffeine, diet pills, or decongestants.

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You may not be able to use albuterol and ipratropium inhalation, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with albuterol and ipratropium inhalation, or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has additional information about albuterol and ipratropium inhalation written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/ or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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