What is Combivent?
Combivent Inhaler (Albuterol/Ipratropium) is a generic drug enclosing a combination of bronchodilators albuterol and ipratropium that relaxes in the airways and augment the flow of air to the lungs
Combivent Facts
This generic drug is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) associated with bronchitis and emphysema conditions that cause breathing problems. Though the bronchodilators albuterol and ipratropium work by dissimilar means, both cause the muscles of the airways to relax. While ipratropium is an anticholinergic, albuterol is a sympathomimetic. Your physician may recommend the use of this generic drug for purposes other than what is disused above.
Combivent Indications
This prescription drug is used to treat patients enduring chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) 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. The combination of albuterol and ipratropium inhalation in this generic drug is used to prevent bronchospasm in people who are also using other medicines to control their condition. Combivent Inhaler (Albuterol/Ipratropium) may also be used for other purposes not discussed here. As this generic drug may increase the risk of asthma-related death, it is critical that you use only the prescribed dose of this medicine and follow all patient instructions for safe use of the medication. This generic drug is available in inhalation solution and inhaler forms from any overseas pharmacy.
Combivent Dosage
The dosage of Combivent Inhaler (Albuterol/Ipratropium) should always be according to the patients requirement as well as the condition being treated. Inhaler: The recommended daily adult dose is two inhalations (puffs) taken four times. The maximum dose of this generic drug for adults is 12 inhalations daily. The contents of the inhaler are under pressure and, hence, it should not be punctured or overheated. Do not allow the medication to enter your eyes, but if it contact occurs, flush eyes with plenty of water. Inhalation Solution: The inhalation solution of this prescription drug is designed for use with a nebulizer – a device that delivers drugs to the lungs by pumping the medication through a mask or mouthpiece. The recommended dose of this generic drug for adults and children over 12 years of age is one vial taken three or four times daily. Each vial should be used only once and then discarded.
Combivent Side Effects
The most common side effects caused by Combivent Inhaler (Albuterol/Ipratropium) include nausea, headache, coughing, dry mouth and/ or sinus congestion. Some patients using this prescription drug may experience rare side effects, such as palpitations or irregular heartbeat, chest pain and/ or change in sputum color (infection). This generic drug may rarely cause aftereffects, such as dizziness, nervousness, hair loss, fever, coordination problems. Although the medication seldom results in serious allergic reactions, contact your physician immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness and/ or breathing problems. Other side effects from the use of this generic drug may include bronchospasm, chest pain and fast, pounding, or uneven heart beats, swelling of your ankles or feet, pain or burning with urination and/ or increased blood pressure.
Using the Inhaler:
- Shake the canister vigorously for at least 10 seconds before each spray.
- Uncap the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Breathe out fully and put the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips. Keep your eyes closed to prevent spraying any medicine into your eyes. Breathe in slowly while pushing down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds and then breathe out slowly.
Using the Solution with a Nebulizer:
- Measure the correct amount of medicine using a dropper or use the proper number of ampules.
- Place the liquid enclosing the generic drug into the medication chamber of the nebulizer.
- If using a medicine dropper, do not allow the dropper to touch any surface including your hands or the nebulizer.
-Attach the mouthpiece or face mask to the drug chamber and then attach the drug chamber to the compressor.
- Sit upright in a comfortable position and place the mouthpiece into your mouth or put the face mask on, covering your nose and mouth.
-Breathe in slowly and evenly until you have inhaled the entire generic drug. The treatment is complete when no more mist is formed by the nebulizer and the drug chamber is empty.
Combivent Precautions
Tell your physician if you are allergic to it, peanuts, soybean, soya lecithin, atropine, and other belladonna-type drugs or if you have any other allergies. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart/liver/kidney diseases, high blood pressure, narrow-angle glaucoma, prostate enlargement or bladder problems, seizures, thyroid problems, diabetes. Pregnant women should use this medication only when it is absolutely necessary, while nursing mothers need to consult their physician before using the generic drug. Extreme heat can cause the medicine canister to burst and, hence, do not store the inhaler in your car on hot days.
Combivent Interactions
Combivent Inhaler (Albuterol/Ipratropium) may interact with certain medical conditions and medications. Hence, before you start using this medication, tell your physician about all the prescription drugs, diet supplements and over-the-counter/ herbal products used by you, especially asthma drugs, blood pressure or chest pain medications, beta-blockers, levodopa, digoxin, certain antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, ritodrine, other "adrenalin" drugs, thyroid drugs, caffeine, antihistamines, drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease and/ or diuretics. Do not start or stop any medicine without the approval of your physician. This generic drug may interact with a stimulant, ADHD medication, diet pills, or over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines.