What is albuterol and ipratropium (inhalation)?
Albuterol and ipratropium are bronchodilators that relax muscles in the airways and
increase air flow to the lungs.
The combination of 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 other purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking albuterol and ipratropium (inhalation)?
Do not use the albuterol and ipratropium inhaler (Combivent) if you are allergic to
soybeans, peanuts, or other food products that contain soya lecithin.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
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heart disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure;
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a seizure disorder such as epilepsy;
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diabetes;
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overactive thyroid;
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glaucoma;
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an enlarged prostate or problems with urination; or
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liver or kidney disease.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether albuterol and ipratropium passes into breast milk or if it
could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take albuterol and ipratropium (inhalation)?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in
larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions
on your prescription label.
This medication 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.
Albuterol and ipratropium inhalation comes with patient instructions for safe and
effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions.
When using the inhaler device for the first time, prime it by spraying 2 test sprays into the
air, away from your face. Also prime the inhaler if you have not used it for 3 days or longer.
The instructions below are for standard use of the inhaler and nebulizer devices.
Your doctor may want you to use your device differently. Be sure you understand all instructions
that are specific to your use of this medication.
To use the inhaler:
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Shake the canister vigorously for at least 10 seconds
before each spray.
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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 pushing down on the canister.
Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
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If you use more than one inhalation at a time, wait at least
2 minutes before using the second inhalation.
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Keep your inhaler clean and dry, and store it with the cap
on the mouthpiece. Clean your inhaler once a week by removing the canister and placing the
mouthpiece under warm running water for at least 30 seconds. Allow the parts to dry before
putting the inhaler back together.
To use the solution with a nebulizer:
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Measure the correct amount of medicine using the dropper
provided, or use the proper number of ampules. Place the liquid 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.
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Attach the mouthpiece or face mask to the drug chamber.
Then, attach the drug chamber to the compressor. Sit upright in a comfortable position. 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 all of the medicine (usually 5 to 15 minutes). The
treatment is complete when no more mist is formed by the nebulizer and the drug chamber is
empty.
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Clean the nebulizer after each use. Follow the cleaning
directions that came with your nebulizer.
Call your doctor right away if you feel that this medicine is not
working as well as usual, or if it makes your condition worse. If it seems like you need to use
more of any of your medications in a 24-hour period, talk with your doctor.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your lung function will need to be
tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
It is important to use this medication regularly to get the most benefit. Get your
prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Keep using all of your other
medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Extreme
heat can cause the medicine canister to burst. Do not store it in your car on hot days. Do not
throw an empty canister into open flame.
Keep track of the number of sprays you have used and throw away the inhaler canister
after 200 sprays, even if it feels like there is still medicine in it.
What happens if I miss a dose of albuterol and ipratropium (inhalation)?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about albuterol and ipratropium (inhalation)?
Your pharmacist has information about albuterol and ipratropium (inhalation) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of albuterol and ipratropium (inhalation)?
Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using albuterol and ipratropium and call your doctor at once if you have any of
these serious side effects:
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bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing),
especially after starting a new canister of this medicine;
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chest pain and fast, pounding, or uneven heart beats;
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swelling of your ankles or feet;
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pain or burning with urination; or
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increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision,
trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure).
Less serious side effects may include:
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headache, dizziness, nervousness;
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drowsiness or sleep problems (insomnia);
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cough, hoarseness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose;
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dry mouth, unusual taste in your mouth;
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tremors, numbness or tingly feeling;
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nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation; or
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blurred vision.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. 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)?
Do not use the albuterol and ipratropium inhaler (Combivent) if you are allergic to
soybeans, peanuts, or other food products that contain soya lecithin.
Call your doctor right away if you feel that this medicine is not working as well as usual,
or if it makes your condition worse. If it seems like you need to use more of any of your
medications in a 24-hour period, talk with your doctor.
Extreme heat can cause the medicine canister to burst. Do not store your inhaler in
your car on hot days. Do not throw an empty canister into open flame.
What should I avoid while taking albuterol and ipratropium (inhalation)?
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse the eyes with
water and seek medical attention.
What other drugs will affect albuterol and ipratropium (inhalation)?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
medicines:
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atropine (Donnatal, and others);
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belladonna;
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clidinium (Quarzan);
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dicyclomine (Bentyl);
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glycopyrrolate (Robinul);
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hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others);
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mepenzolate (Cantil);
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methantheline (Provocholine);
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methscopolamine (Pamine), scopolamine
(Transderm-Scop);
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propantheline (Pro-Banthine);
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a beta-blocker such as acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol
(Tenormin), carvedilol (Coreg), metoprolol (Lopressor), or propranolol (Inderal);
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a stimulant, ADHD medication, diet pills, or
over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines;
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a diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix),
bumetanide (Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), torsemide (Demadex), hydrochlorothiazide
(Hydrodiuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), or chlorothiazide (Diuril); or
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an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact
with albuterol and ipratropium. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter
medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by
other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of albuterol and ipratropium (inhalation)?
