Combivent
Generic Name:
Ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate
Brand Names:
Combivent
Combivent Description:
Combivent Inhalation Aerosol is a bronchodilator manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Combivent is available in a liquid form and an aerosol spray. Combivent can be administrated by a pressurized metered dose inhaler and comes in an aerosol canister with a mouthpiece.
Combivent Uses:
Combivent is prescribed for treating the signs and symptoms of a class of lung diseases known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. Chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, and emphysema are major chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases that affect millions of people internationally.
Patients who are suffering from COPD will find it very difficult to breathe. Both bronchitis and asthma occur as a result of inflammation and swelling of bronchi or air sacs of the lungs. Emphysema occurs when the tiny air sacs or alveoli in the lungs are damaged. The common causes of COPD include:
- Hereditary
- Smoking
- Inhalation of large amounts of dust
Patients who are suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will typically experience the following symptoms:
- Chronic cough with sputum production
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
Bronchodilators relax the bronchial airways and make it possible for the patients to breathe easily. Combivent can open up and relax the bronchial tubes and provide relief to patients experiencing the symptoms of COPD. Combivent is usually used in COPD patients whose symptoms cannot be resolved with a single inhaled medication.
Combivent Interactions:
Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking including over-the-counter medications and health supplements. Ask whether you can take these medications along with Combivent.
Combivent is not to be used along with phenothiazine antipsychotic and antihistaminic drugs due to an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Some phenothiazine medications include:
- Chlorpromazine
- Fluphenazine
- Fluephenazine decanoate
- Perphenazine
- Prochlorperazine edisylate
- Prochlorperazine maleate
- Prochlorperazine rectal
- Promethazine
- Promethazine rectal
- Thioridazine
- Trifluoperazine
Combivent should be avoided if a patient is using linezolid due to an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular effects.
Combivent should be avoided if a patient is using sotalol due to an increased risk of causing a bronchospasm and an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
Combivent should be used very cautiously with the following medications due to an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias:
- Anticholinergic agents
- Diuretics
- Beta-receptor blocking agents
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Beta-adrenergic agents
- Tricyclic antidepressants
Combivent Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Patients use Combivent Aerosol four times a day and should take two inhalations as a single dose. Patients may take extra doses if needed. However, patients should not take more than 12 inhalations in a single 24-hour period.
Missing a Dose
If you forget to use Combivent, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for another dose, kip the missed dose and continue with your regular inhalation schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Overdosing
Excessive inhalation of sympathomimetic drugs can cause death, severe asthmatic attacks, hypoxia, and subsequent cardiac arrest. Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose of Combivent occurs.
Combivent FDA Approval:
October 24, 1996
Combivent Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There are no black box warnings for this medication.
Other Warnings
Combivent can cause a life-threatening medical condition known as paradoxical bronchospasm, an increased coughing bout and/or bronchial spasm when the medication is supposed to have a reduced effect. Combivent use should be stopped right away if patients develop any signs and symptoms of this disease.
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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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July 30, 2010, 2:13 pm
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July 29, 2010, 12:33 pm
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July 28, 2010, 3:58 pm
