Combivent

Combivent (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) is a prescription medication used to treat bronchospasm in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Combivent is a combination of two bronchodilators, ipratropium and albuterol. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic agent that works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways. Albuterol is a beta-2 agonist that works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways.

Combivent is available in a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and a nebulizer solution. The MDI is a hand-held inhaler that delivers a measured dose of medication in aerosolized form. The nebulizer solution is a liquid that is inhaled through a mouthpiece or face mask.

Combivent is typically used four times a day. The MDI can be used with or without a spacer. The nebulizer solution is typically used three or four times a day.

Common side effects of Combivent include:

• cough
• throat irritation
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• headache
• dizziness
• nervousness
• muscle pain
• shaking

Combivent can also cause serious side effects, including:

• bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing)
• hypersensitivity reaction (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat)
• angina (chest pain)
• arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
• glaucoma
• blurred vision
• urinary retention
• nervousness
• tremor
• seizures

Do not use Combivent if you are allergic to ipratropium or albuterol. Do not use Combivent if you have asthma. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You should not use Combivent if you are allergic to ipratropium or albuterol. Tell your doctor if you have ever had bronchospasm, asthma, or a hypersensitivity reaction after using an inhaled bronchodilator. Tell your doctor if you have ever had glaucoma, heart disease, hypertension, arrhythmia, tachycardia, or urinary retention.

Do not use Combivent if you are pregnant. It is not known whether ipratropium or albuterol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Do not use Combivent if you are breastfeeding. It is not known whether ipratropium or albuterol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding before using this medication.

Combivent is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

To make sure Combivent is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing);
• asthma;
• a hypersensitivity reaction after using an inhaled bronchodilator;
• glaucoma;
• heart disease;
• high blood pressure;
• arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat);
• tachycardia (rapid heartbeat); or
• urinary retention.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether ipratropium or albuterol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.

How should I use Combivent?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use Combivent in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Combivent inhalation powder must be inhaled only using the Respimat inhaler. The Respimat inhaler is a plastic device that holds a foil blister of Combivent powder. The inhaler releases a measured dose of powder into your mouth with each puff of air you inhale.

Do not take Combivent by mouth. Inhale only the medication prescribed by your doctor.

Use only the inhaler device provided with your medicine or you may not get the correct dose.

Prime the inhaler device before the first use by spraying 2 test sprays into the air, away from your face. Prime the inhaler if it has been longer than 2 weeks since your last use.

If you use Combivent more often than you should, you may notice that your heart beats more quickly than normal and that you feel shaky. These effects are usually temporary and should stop once you stop using the medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the Respimat inhaler closed when not in use.

Throw away the inhaler device after the labeled number of sprays have been used, even if it still contains some liquid. Also throw away the Combivent inhalation powder canister after you have inhaled all