Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: albuterol and ipratropium inhaler
BRAND NAME: Combivent
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Combivent is a combination
product
consisting of two bronchodilators, albuterol (Proventil; Ventolin)
and
ipratropium (Atrovent) that is used in the treatment of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (bronchitis and emphysema) when there
is evidence of spasm (narrowing) of the airways. Bronchodilators
dilate or enlarge the airways by relaxing the muscles surrounding the
airways.
Albuterol and ipratropium work by different mechanisms, but both
cause
the muscles of the airways to relax. (Ipratropium is an
anticholinergic and albuterol is a sympathomimetic.)
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PRESCRIPTION: yes
PREPARATIONS:
Combivent comes as a metered-dose aerosol
inhaler delivering 90mcg of albuterol plus 18mcg of
ipratropium per actuation of the inhaler.
STORAGE: The inhaler should be stored at room temperature,
15-30°C (59-86°F) and kept away from moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR:
Combivent is used in the treatment of
patients
with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases such as chronic
bronchitis and emphysema when they are associated with bronchospasm
or narrowing of the airways due to spasm of the muscles surrounding
the airways.
DOSING: The dosing of
Combivent must be individualized.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: No important drug interactions have
been
described with Combivent.
PREGNANCY: Please see albuterol and ipratropium.
NURSING MOTHERS: Please see albuterol and ipratropium.
SIDE EFFECTS: Please see albuterol and ipratropium.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 4/18/1999
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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