GENERIC NAME: IPRATROPIUM/ALBUTEROL (SALBUTAMOL) INHALER - ORAL (IP-ra-TROE-pee-um/al-BUE-ter-ol/sal-BUE-ta-mol)
BRAND NAME(S): Combivent
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This product is used to treat and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD which includes bronchitis and emphysema). This product contains 2 medications: ipratropium and albuterol (also known as salbutamol). Both drugs work by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. Learn how to use this inhaler properly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Follow the instructions for "test-spraying" (priming) the inhaler if you are using it for the first time or if you have not used it for more than 24 hours. When priming the inhaler, make sure to spray away from the face so that you do not get the medication into your eyes.Before each inhalation, shake the inhaler well for at least 10 seconds. Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times daily. If two inhalations at a time are prescribed, wait at least 2 minutes between them. Your doctor may also direct you to use this medication as needed for wheezing and shortness of breath. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. 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.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Avoid getting this medication into your eyes. It may cause eye pain/irritation, temporary blurred vision, and other vision changes. Therefore, when using the inhaler, put your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and keep your eyes closed.Rinse your mouth after using the inhaler to prevent dry mouth and throat irritation.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use this medication more often, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor.Keep track of the number of inhalations you use, and throw away the canister after you have used the labeled number of inhalations on the package.Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens. Ask your doctor ahead of time what to do if you have worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, increased use of your quick-relief inhaler, or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away.Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
SIDE EFFECTS: See also How to Use section.Headache, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, shaking (tremors), nervousness, or constipation 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.Infrequently, this medication may cause severe sudden worsening of breathing problems right after use. If you have sudden worsening of breathing, get medical help right away.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: eye pain, vision changes (such as blurred vision, seeing halos), difficult/painful urination, muscle cramps.Get medical help right away if you have any serious side effects, including: chest pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, confusion.A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, get medical help right away 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.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to ipratropium or albuterol (salbutamol); or to tiotropium; or to atropine or other belladonna-type drugs; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as soy lecithin from soybeans), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Some people who are allergic to peanuts may also be allergic to soy. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat), glaucoma (narrow-angle), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate), seizure, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes.This drug may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision or other vision changes. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially problems urinating or constipation.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
QUESTION
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease. See AnswerDRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as lung function tests, blood pressure) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light, heat, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not puncture the canister or use or store near an open flame. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised October 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.
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.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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