What is Combivent Inhaler Used for?
This medication is used to prevent bronchospasm in people with chronic pulmonary disease (COPD) and is also using other medications to control their condition. Combivent (Ipratropium/Salbutamol) works by relaxing muscles in the airways and increasing the air flow to the lungs.
How should Combivent Inhaler be stored?
This medication should be stored at room temperature. Keep the medication away from heat and moisture. Keep the inhaler clean and dry with the cap on the mouthpiece during storage. When canister is placed near extreme heat, the canister can burst. Do not throw the canister into an open flame or store in car on hot days. Dispose the inhaler canister after 200 sprays even if there is still medicine in it.
General Information
How should I take Combivent Inhaler?
Read the directions on the prescription label and pamphlet. Do not take larger doses than prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medication longer than recommended by your doctor. When taking this medication, it is very important to take only your prescribed dose because Combivent (Ipratropium/Salbutamol) may increase the risk of an asthma-related death. If prescribed with the inhaler, shake the canister for 10 seconds before spraying. Take off the cap of the mouthpiece and breathe out fully. Close your mouth around the mouthpiece and close your eyes to prevent spraying medicine in your eyes. Slowly breathe in while pushing the canister down. Before breathing out slowly, hold your breath for 10 seconds. Before the second inhalation, wait for a minimum of 2 minutes. After taking your dose, keep the inhaler clean and dry and with the mouthpiece capped. The inhaler must be cleaned on a weekly basis. To clean the inhaler, remove the canister and place the mouthpiece under warm running water for 30 seconds. Air dry the parts before putting it back together. If prescribed solution with a nebulizer, measure out the correct dosage and place the medication in the chamber of the nebulizer. Connect the face mask or mouthpiece to the drug chamber and then the drug chamber to the compressor. While sitting upright in a comfortable position, put the face mask on or the mouthpiece in your mouth. Slowly and evenly, breathe in until all of the medicine is inhaled. This usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. When there are no mist forming in the nebulizer and the drug chamber is empty, the treatment is complete. To clean the nebulizer after each use, follow the directions that came with the nebulizer.
When should Combivent Inhaler not be taken?
Do not use Combivent (Ipratropium/Salbutamol) if you are allergic to peanuts, soybeans, or other food products that contain soya lecithin. Notify your doctor right away if you think the medicine is making your condition worse or is not working as well as usual.
What precautions should I follow when taking Combivent Inhaler?
Inform your doctor about the following before taking Combivent (Ipratropium/Salbutamol): if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding; have heart disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure; have a seizure disorder such as epilepsy, have overactive thyroid, have diabetes, have glaucoma, have an enlarged prostate or problems with urination, or if you have a liver or kidney disease.
What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Combivent Inhaler?
Try not to get the medication in your eyes. If it happens, rinse with water immediately and seek medical attention right away.
What are the side effects of Combivent Inhaler?
Severe: Chest pain and fast, pounding, or uneven heart beats; pain or burning with urination; swelling of your ankles or feet; bronchospasm (wheezing, trouble breathing, chest tightness), particularly after starting a new canister of this medicine; or increased blood pressure (chest pain, seizure, severe headache, trouble concentrating, numbness, and blurred vision).
Common: Cough, hoarseness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose; headache, dizziness, nervousness; dry mouth, unusual taste in your mouth; drowsiness or sleep problems (insomnia), tremors, numbness or tingly feeling; blurred vision; or nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, and constipation.
Other: None.
