Combivent

Combivent

     * Generic Name: ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate
     * Brand Name: Combivent


     * What is albuterol and ipratropium inhalation (Combivent
       Respimat, DuoNeb)?
     * What are the possible side effects of albuterol and ipratropium
       inhalation (Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       albuterol and ipratropium inhalation (Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using
       albuterol and ipratropium inhalation (Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?
     * How should I use albuterol and ipratropium inhalation
       (Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?
     * What should I avoid while using albuterol and ipratropium
       inhalation (Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?
     * What other drugs will affect albuterol and ipratropium
       inhalation (Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?
     * Where can I get more information (Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?

What is albuterol and ipratropium inhalation (Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?

   Albuterol and ipratropium are bronchodilators that relax
   muscles in the airways and increase air flow to the lungs.

   Albuterol and ipratropium inhalation is used to prevent bronchospasm in
   people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who
   are also using other medicines to control their condition.

   Albuterol and ipratropium inhalation may also be used for purposes not
   listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of albuterol and ipratropium inhalation
(Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using
       this medicine;
     * chest pain;
     * fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest;
     * tremors, nervousness;
     * swelling of your ankles or feet;
     * blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos
       around lights;
     * painful or difficult urination; or
     * low potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats,
       fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination,
       numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * headache;
     * trouble breathing; or
     * cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, or
       sore throat.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about albuterol and
ipratropium inhalation (Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?

   Seek medical attention if you think this medication is not working as
   well as usual. Overuse of albuterol and ipratropium may increase the
   risk of death. It is critical that you use only the prescribed dose of
   this medicine.

   Combivent Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Asthma:An Inflammatory Disorder of the Airways

   Asthma Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Asthma Quiz!
   Asthma: 10 Worst Cities for Asthma

   10 Worst Cities for Asthma Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using albuterol and
ipratropium inhalation (Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to albuterol
   (Proventil, Ventolin), ipratropium (Atrovent), or atropine.

   To make sure albuterol and ipratropium inhalation is safe for you, tell
   your doctor if you have ever had:
     * heart disease, high blood pressure, coronary artery
       disease, or heart rhythm disorder;
     * a seizure disorder such as epilepsy;
     * diabetes;
     * overactive thyroid;
     * glaucoma;
     * liver or kidney disease; or
     * enlarged prostate, problems with urination.

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

   Albuterol and ipratropium inhalation can pass into breast milk and may
   harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this
   medicine.

   Albuterol and ipratropium inhalation is not approved for use by anyone
   younger than 18 years old.

How should I use albuterol and ipratropium inhalation (Combivent Respimat,
DuoNeb)?

   Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not use this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Albuterol and ipratropium inhalation is usually used 4 times per day.
   Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

   Overuse of this medicine may increase the risk of death. It is critical
   that you use only the prescribed dose of this medicine.

   Albuterol and ipratropium inhalation comes with patient instructions
   for safe and effective use, and directions for priming the inhaler
   device. Duoneb and Combivent Respimat have different patient
   instructions. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or
   pharmacist if you have any questions.

   To use the inhaler (Combivent Respimat):
     * You do not need to shake Combivent Respimat before use.
     * Uncap the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Breathe out fully. 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 pressing the dose-release button on the inhaler. Hold
       your breath for 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
     * Close the cap until you use your inhaler again.
     * Carefully follow all directions for cleaning your specific inhaler
       device once per week.

   Keep track of the number of sprays you have used. Throw away the
   Combivent Respimat inhaler canister after 3 months or 120 sprays,
   whichever comes first.

   To use the solution with a nebulizer (Duoneb):
     * Open the foil pouch and remove one vial. Squeeze all of the
       medicine out into the chamber of the nebulizer. Attach the
       mouthpiece or face mask, then attach the drug chamber to the
       compressor.
     * Sit upright in a comfortable position. Place the mouthpiece into
       your mouth or put on the face mask, covering your nose and mouth.
       Turn on the compressor.
     * Breathe in slowly and evenly until no more mist is formed by the
       nebulizer and the drug chamber is empty.
     * Clean the nebulizer after each use. Follow the cleaning directions
       that came with your nebulizer.

   Use albuterol and ipratropium regularly to get the most benefit. Get
   your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

   Seek medical attention if you think this medication is not working as
   well as usual.

   While using albuterol and ipratropium, you may need medical tests.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep
   each Duoneb vial in its foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Do
   not store Combivent Respimat in your car on hot days. Extreme heat can
   cause the medicine canister to burst. Do not throw an empty canister
   into open flame.

   Combivent Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Asthma:An Inflammatory Disorder of the Airways

   Asthma Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Asthma Quiz!
   Asthma: 10 Worst Cities for Asthma

   10 Worst Cities for Asthma Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?

   Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it
   is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine
   to make up the missed dose.

   Do not use more than 6 inhalations in a 24-hour period.

What happens if I overdose (Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222. An overdose of albuterol and ipratropium can be fatal.
   Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats,
   tremors, dry mouth, extreme thirst, muscle weakness or limp
   feeling, severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, or feeling
   like you might pass out.

What should I avoid while using albuterol and ipratropium inhalation
(Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?

   If this medication gets in your eyes, rinse with water and seek medical
   attention.

   This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking
   or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you
   to be alert and able to see clearly.

What other drugs will affect albuterol and ipratropium inhalation (Combivent
Respimat, DuoNeb)?

   Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
   stop using, especially:
     * a diuretic or "water pill";
     * heart or blood pressure medicine;
     * other beta-blockers; or
     * an antidepressant.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with albuterol and
   ipratropium, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines,
   vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed
   in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about albuterol and
   ipratropium inhalation.
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