Common Use

Combivent contains two active substances: ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) and Levosalbutamol. Ipratropium blocks m-cholinoreceptors of smooth muscles in the bronchi and tracheas, suppresses reflex constriction of bronchi, and decreases secretion of the mucous membrane in the respiratory tract. The drug is used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with spasm of the airways. The effect of bronchodilators consists of the dilation and enlargement of the airways by relaxing the muscles of the respiratory tract. Ipatropium works differently, as it has a structural similarity with acetylcholine and becomes its competitive antagonist. The medication effectively prevents bronchial spasm caused by breathing in cigarette smoke, cold air, or exposure to agents that induce bronchial spasm associated with the influence of the n.vagus.

Dosage and Direction

Each condition and patient requires an individual dose.

Precautions

Caution should be exercised in individuals with:

• Close-angle glaucoma
• Urinary tract obstruction (prostatic hypertrophy)
• Problems with urination
• Coronary artery disease
• Hypertension
• Heart failure
• Tachyarrhythmia
• Epileptic syndrome
• Hyperthyroidism
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hypokalemia
• Liver or kidney failure
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

The safety of Combivent has not been studied in children.

Contraindications

The medication cannot be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to the components of Combivent, atropine (Atreza, Sal-Tropine), peanuts, soybeans, or other food products that contain soya lecithin.

Possible Side Effects

If signs of an allergic reaction become bothersome, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Other most frequent adverse reactions include:

• Bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing), especially after starting a new inhaler
• Uneven heartbeats
• Chest pain
• Fast, pounding heartbeat
• Increased blood pressure (severe headache, chest pain, numbness, seizure, blurred vision, trouble concentrating)
• Swelling of the ankles or feet
• Pain or burning with urination

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all medications and herbal products you are taking, especially:

• Atropine (Donnatal, and others)
• Belladonna preparations
• Clidinium (Quarzan)
• Mepenzolate (Cantil)
• Glycopyrrolate (Robinul)
• Methantheline (Provocholine)
• Hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others)
• Dicyclomine (Bentyl)
• Propantheline (Pro-Banthine)
• Methscopolamine (Pamine)
• Scopolamine (Transderm-Scop)
• Beta-blockers such as carvedilol (Coreg), atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), metoprolol (Lopressor), propranolol (Inderal)
• Diuretics
• Diet pills
• Stimulants
• ADHD medications
• Over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines
• MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Missed Dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed portion and continue taking the medicine according to the schedule.

Overdose

Combivent overdose may be fatal. If you experience rapid or uneven heart rate, chest pain or heavy feeling, weakness, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, or general ill feeling, contact your pharmacist or doctor immediately.

Storage

Combivent inhaler should be stored at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F).

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.