IPRATROPIUM/ALBUTEROL (SALBUTAMOL) - INHALATION (Combivent) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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ALBUTEROL AND IPRATROPIUM ORAL INHALER Index

ipratropium/albuterol (salbutamol) - inhalation, Combivent

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GENERIC NAME: IPRATROPIUM/ALBUTEROL (SALBUTAMOL) - INHALATION (IP-ra-TROE-pee-um/al-BUE-ter-ol) (sal-BUE-tah-mol)

BRAND NAME(S): Combivent

USES: This product is a combination of 2 medications: albuterol (also known as salbutamol) and ipratropium. It is used to treat or prevent wheezing and shortness of breath caused by ongoing breathing problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis). It works in the airways by opening breathing passages and relaxing muscles. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. Refer to the illustrated directions provided by the manufacturer for directions on how to use this device. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Follow the instructions for test sprays in the air (priming) if you are using a new canister or if you have not used it for more than 24 hours. Avoid spraying the medication in your eyes.Before each dose, shake the inhaler well for at least 10 seconds. Inhale this medication by mouth, usually 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. You may use more doses if you have wheezing and shortness of breath between your prescribed doses. However, the manufacturer recommends that you do not use more than 12 inhalations in a 24-hour period. Doing so may increase the risk of serious side effects. Use this medication regularly to receive the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.If you find it difficult to use this inhaler correctly, it may help to use a spacer device with this inhaler. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.Keep track of the number of inhalations you use, and discard the inhaler after you have used the labeled number of inhalations on the product package. Test sprays used to prime the inhaler should also be counted.If this medication stops working well or your breathing symptoms become worse, seek immediate medical attention.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, nervousness, trouble sleeping, dizziness, dry mouth/throat, coughing, or runny nose may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: eye pain, fast/pounding heartbeat, muscle cramps, trouble urinating, vision changes, weakness.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, irregular heartbeat.Rarely, this medication has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you have trouble breathing or experience sudden wheezing, seek immediate medical attention.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.