Brand name:
Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium)
Generic name: Albuterol sulfate ,Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium)
Other brand names: AccuNeb, Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium) HFA,
Ventolin HFA, Volmax Extended-Release Tablets, VoSpire Extended-Release
Tablets
Why is Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium) prescribed?
Drugs containing albuterol are prescribed for the prevention and relief
of bronchial spasms that narrow the airway. This especially applies to
the treatment of asthma. Some brands of Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium) are also used for the
prevention of bronchial spasm due to exercise.
Most important fact about Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium)
Do not take albuterol more frequently than your doctor recommends. Increasing
the number of doses can be dangerous and may actually make symptoms of
asthma worse.
If the dose your doctor recommends does not provide relief of your symptoms,
or if your symptoms become worse, consult your doctor immediately.
How should you take Albuterol Inh. (1 inhaler) without prescriptions?
If you are taking extended-release tablets, swallow them whole with
some liquid--never chew or crush them.
Shake the inhalation aerosol canister well before using and make sure
it's firmly seated in the plastic mouthpiece. Before using it for the
first time, prime the canister with 4 sprays into the air away from your
face. Prime it with 2 sprays whenever it has not been used for at least
4 days. Use only the adapter that comes with the product; do not use
this adapter with any other product. Wash the plastic mouthpiece with
warm running water at least once a week to prevent medication buildup
and blockage.
If you are using an inhalation solution, be sure to protect it from
contamination. Keep the tip of the dropper away from the lip of the bottle
or any other surface. Do not use the solution if it changes color or
becomes cloudy.
If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember; then take any remaining
doses for that day at equally spaced intervals. Never take a double dose.
Storage instructions...
AccuNeb, Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium) syrup, and Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium) solution for inhalation can
be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium) aerosol
can be stored at temperatures as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but should
be at room temperature before use. Protect from excessive heat.
Ventolin nebules must be used within 2 weeks of being removed from the
refrigerator.
Store VoSpire tablets at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant
container.
Volmax tablets should be kept refrigerated.
Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking albuterol.
* Side effects may include:
Aggression, agitation, allergic reaction, anxiety, back pain, chest pain or
discomfort, chills and fever, coordination problems, cough, decreased appetite,
depression, difficulty speaking, diabetes, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness,
dry mouth and throat, excitement, fluid retention and swelling, flushing,
general bodily discomfort, headache, heart palpitations, heartburn, hives,
increased appetite, increased blood pressure, increased difficulty breathing,
indigestion, irritability, labored breathing, leg cramps, light-headedness,
muscle cramps, muscle spasm, nasal inflammation, nausea, nervousness, nightmares,
nosebleed, overactivity, rapid heartbeat, rash, respiratory infection or
disorder, restlessness, ringing in the ears, shakiness, sleeplessness, slowed
movement, stomachache, stuffy nose, sweating, swelling of mouth and throat,
taste sensation on inhalation, throat irritation, tooth discoloration, tremors,
unusual taste, urinary problems, vomiting, weakness, wheezing
Why should Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium) not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to albuterol
or other bronchodilators, you should not take this medication. Make sure
that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.
Special warnings about Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium)
When taking albuterol inhalation aerosol, you should not use other inhaled
medications before checking with your doctor.
Make sure the doctor is aware of it if you have a heart condition, seizure
disorder, high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, overactive thyroid
gland, or diabetes. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any change
in heartbeat or pulse while taking Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium).
You may have an immediate, serious allergic reaction to the first dose
of albuterol, causing symptoms such as hives, rash, and swelling of the
mouth, throat, lips, and tongue. The drug has been known to cause life-threatening
bronchial spasms, especially with the first dose from a new canister
or vial. There have also been rare reports of skin reddening and peeling
in children taking albuterol syrup.
Do not exceed your doctor's recommended dose of albuterol. If you need
more than usual, check with your doctor. Your asthma may be getting unstable,
and you may need another medication. Do not, however, change your medication
without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium)
Use albuterol inhalation aerosol with other aerosol bronchodilators
only if your doctor recommends it.
If albuterol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining albuterol with the following:
Antidepressants classified as MAO inhibitors, such as Nardil and Parnate,
and tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil, Norpramin, Pamelor, and
Tofranil.
Beta blockers (heart and blood pressure drugs such as Inderal, Tenormin,
and Sectral)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Drugs similar to albuterol, such as Alupent, Brethine, Isuprel, and epinephrine
Drugs that lower potassium levels (water pills such as Lasix or HydroDIURIL)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of albuterol during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not known whether albuterol appears in breast milk. If Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium)
is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop nursing
your baby until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Combivent (Albuterol and Ipratropium)
ADULTS
Overdosage
* Symptoms of albuterol overdose may include:
Dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, general feeling of illness, headache, high or
low blood pressure, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, radiating chest pain,
rapid or irregular heartbeat, seizures, tremors
