Combivent (Ipratropium/Salbutamol)

What is Combivent?

Combivent is a mixture of albuterol sulfate and ipratropium bromide. Ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulphate are bronchodilators. They help in relaxing muscles in the airways and increasing air flow to the lungs.

What is Combivent used for?

Combivent is used to prevent bronchospasm in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a second bronchodilator.

How does Combivent work?

The albuterol present in Combivent belongs to a family of drugs known as beta-adrenergic receptor agonists. These Beta agonists induce beta receptors in the body and cause body muscles to relax. This allows more air in and out of lungs.

 The other component, Ipratropium belongs to a class of drugs called anticholinergics or antimuscarinics. Ipratropium binds to specific receptors in the airways, which are called muscarinic receptors. This helps to relax the muscles of the airways and allow more air in and out of lungs.

How to use Combivent

Combivent should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems and may increase the risk of asthma-related death.

The drug is usually taken using an inhaler or nebulizer. Your doctor may advise you to take the drug in some other way. Follow your doctor’s instructions wisely.

Get your lung functions tested on a regular basis while using Combivent. Do not miss any scheduled visit to your doctor.

Combivent warnings and precautions

Do not take Combivent if you are allergic to atropine (Atreza, SalTropine), peanuts, soybeans, the drug itself, or other food items that contain soya lecithin.

Prior to taking Combivent, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, overactive thyroid, glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, enlarged prostate, problems with urination, or epilepsy.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use the drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Combivent dose?

If you have missed your Combivent dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Combivent overdose?

If you have taken a Combivent overdose you should seek medical attention.

Combivent interactions

Before taking Combivent, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like atropine (Donnatal), belladonna, dicyclomine (Bentyl), clidinium (Quarzan), hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin), glycopyrrolate (Robinul), propantheline (Pro-Banthine), mepenzolate (Cantil), methantheline (Provocholine), methscopolamine (Pamine), scopolamine (Transderm-Scop); a diuretic (water pill); a beta-blocker like atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), carvedilol (Coreg), metoprolol (Lopressor),  and propranolol (Inderal); a stimulant, ADHD medication, diet pills, cold or allergy medicines, MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Also, do not start using a new medication without consulting your doctor.

Combivent side effects

Combivent side effects include breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Combivent, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Bronchospasm (trouble in breathing or tightness in chest), swelling of ankles or feet, chest pain, pounding or uneven heart beats, pain or burning while urinating,  or increased blood pressure are also side effects from Combivent.

Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach,  constipation, headache, nervousness, dizziness, drowsiness or insomnia, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, dry mouth, tremors, or blurred vision are some less serious side effects of Combivent.