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albuterol and ipratropium inhaler, Combivent

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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

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