Combivent Respimat (Ipratropium/Albuterol)

Do’s

• Use Combivent Respimat exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically 4 times daily. Your healthcare provider may adjust this for sudden breathing problems.
• Inhale the medication by mouth, not your eyes. Follow the proper inhaler technique with a tight seal around the mouthpiece.
• Rinse your mouth after use to prevent dryness and irritation.
• Use Combivent Respimat regularly and consistently, at evenly spaced times throughout the day.
• Maintain proper hygiene by cleaning the mouthpiece at least weekly.
• Understand the difference between Combivent Respimat (used regularly) and quick-relief inhalers (used for sudden breathing problems).
• Consult your healthcare provider beforehand about an action plan for worsening symptoms or when your quick-relief inhaler seems less effective.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your breathing problems don't improve or worsen.

Don'ts

• Don't exceed 6 inhalations within 24 hours. This can cause serious side effects.
• Don't increase your dosage or use Combivent Respimat more often without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't abruptly stop using Combivent Respimat without talking to your healthcare provider first.

Common Side Effects:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Headaches
• Infections that can affect your breathing, such as acute bronchitis or colds.

Serious Side Effects:

• Wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using Combivent Respimat
• Chest pain
• Fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest
• Tremors or nervousness
• Swelling of your ankles or feet
• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights
• Painful or difficult urination
• Low potassium levels, which may cause leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, or a limp feeling

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Combivent Respimat, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, especially to ipratropium, albuterol (salbutamol), tiotropium, atropine, belladonna-type drugs, or levalbuterol.

Tell your healthcare provider about any pre-existing health problems, particularly high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, difficulty urinating, seizures, overactive thyroid, or diabetes.

Combivent Respimat may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or vision changes. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring alertness or clear vision until you feel safe. Limit alcohol and marijuana use, which can worsen these effects.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Combivent Respimat, before any surgery.

Older adults may experience increased side effects, especially difficulty urinating or constipation.

Discuss the risks and benefits of using Combivent Respimat during pregnancy with your healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding as it is unknown if Combivent Respimat passes into breast milk.