Combivent is the brand name of the drug Ipratropium/Salbutamol, which is formulated by combining two bronchodilators, ipratropium bromide and salbutamol sulfate. The medication is used in the management and controlling of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Patients suffering from COPD like chronic bronchitis and emphysema have breathing problem, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing, which can be prevented with the intake of Combivent. This drug works by relaxing and widening the air passage thereby allowing patients to breathe easily. Albuterol and ipratropium combination in Combivent is recommended to COPD patients, whose symptoms have not been controlled by a single inhaled medication. Combivent is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim and is approved by majority of the drug regulatory authorities.

Patients using Combivent must use it properly and with full cautious in order to achieve the full benefit of the drug.

• If using more than one inhaler, patients must use it within the gap of few minutes to avoid any chance of drug interactions.
• The medication must be shaken well before using it.
• The mouthpiece of the inhaler must always be kept covered and it should only be uncapped at the time of administering the drug.
• Individuals must keep their eyes closed while spraying the drug in order to prevent drug from entering into the eye.
• Individuals are recommended to breathe slowly while spraying the drug and must hold breathe for few seconds and then slowly breathe out.
• The inhaler must be weekly clean to ensure safe administration of the drug.

Dosage

The recommended dose of Combivent is one inhalation four times a day. Sometimes patients may be prescribed with additional dosage but they should not exceed more than six inhalations in 24 hours duration. Safety and efficacy of extra dose of Combivent have not been studied and hence patients are advised to stick to their doctor's prescribed dosage.

Missed and Overdose

In case if anyone has missed a dose of Combivent, then one should take it upon remembering. If the time for next schedule dose has arrived, patients should skip the missed dose and resume with regular dosing schedule. Doubling the dose of the drug is never recommended.

Patients must always keep in mind that overdose of Combivent might sometime prove fatal. Thus, they must be extra careful while administering the drug. In the event of an accidental overdose, the victim must be immediately provided with the necessary medical attention. Chest pain and fast heartbeat are the symptoms of overdose that require emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store the Combivent medication at room temperature of 150-300 C and it must be kept away from heat and moisture, in order to maintain the efficacy of the drug till the very end. The medication must be kept out of the reach of children and pets. The unused and expired medication must be safely disposed.

Before starting Combivent it is important for the patients to discuss their significant health facts with their doctor. Patients must also be aware of warnings associated with the drugs so that they are aware of the steps that they have to take in case of serious or adverse consequences.

• Individuals having cystic fibrosis have chances of stomach discomfort while using this drug.
• Medication may cause dizziness and blurred vision in patients using this drug.
• Allergic reactions may occur in some cases after administering this drug, though the chances are very rare.
• Avoid spraying the drug in the eyes, as it may result in serious eye problems like acute pain, discomfort and temporary blurring of vision.
• Patients suffering from liver or kidney problems should take Combivent only under the supervision of their doctor.
• Patients having abnormal heartbeat, glaucoma, high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, increased thyroid hormone, enlarged prostate, bladder retention, and pheochromocytoma should be closely monitored by their doctor while using this medication.
• This medication should not be used during pregnancy until and unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Side effects are common with each and every medication; however, it is not necessary that every individual taking the medicine will experience side effects. Most of the side effects associated with the medication are not so severe and disappear after patients get adjusted to the drug. If one experiences any severe side effects that do not go away, then one should immediately consult with their doctor. Common side effects associated with the medication include:

• Headache
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Pain
• Leg cramps
• Nausea
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty in urinating
• Voice changes
• Heartburn

Combivent Severe Side Effects

The following side effects are serious and upon experiencing any of these symptoms, one must immediately consult their doctor:

• Pain in chest
• Hives
• Skin rash
• Fast heartbeat
• Difficulty in breathing and swallowing
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Swelling of the eyes, lips, face and tongue
• Swelling of hands, feet, ankles or lower legs

Combivent may cause some other side effects too and one must consult with the doctor on occurrence of any unusual problems while using this medication.

Combivent Drug Interactions

The intake of two drugs at the same time is not always safe and patients must be aware that even Combivent is not recommended to be taken along with certain medications. This medication is known to interact with the following drugs:

• Anticholinergic agents
• Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide
• Beta-blockers like nadolol and propranolol
• Terbutaline
• Antidepressants like tranylcypromine and phenelzine
• Fenoterol
• Epinephrine
• Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and desipramine

Some medications other than those listed above might also interact with this medication. Thus, it is important for the patients to tell their doctor about all the prescription, non-prescription and herbal medications taken by them.

Q: Why is Combivent prescribed?

A: Combivent Respimat is used to prevent bronchospasm (tightening and narrowing of the airways) in people with COPD who are also using other medicines to control their condition.

Q: Does Combivent have a generic alternative?

A: Ipratropium/Albuterol inhaler (Generic) is FDA approved and available for purchase at a lower cost. 

Q: What if I miss a dose of [Drug Name]?

A: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Keep unused vials of nebulizer solution in the foil pouch until you are ready to use them. Store the medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).