Combivent Inhaler Patient Information

Combivent Inhaler Patient Information
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Indications

The Combivent inhaler patient information includes the uses for the inhaler. It is designed to open up the airways in the lungs for individuals suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). It is usually given as a secondary medication for individuals that are currently on a bronchodilator, yet still experience sudden constrictions of the bronchiole walls.

Ingredients

The active ingredients of the Combivent inhaler are ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate. These chemicals relax the muscles in the lungs, which makes it easier to breathe.

Side Effects

Combivent inhaler patient information about side effects includes allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to this inhaler include itching and swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, skin rash, or hives. The airways in the lungs may close and anaphylactic shock is possible. The Combivent inhaler also increases blood pressure and heart rate.

Precautions

The Combivent inhaler is not recommended for individuals that are allergic to soy lecithin, soybean, or peanuts. Those that are allergic to the ingredients in the inhaler or to atropine should not use it. Other precautions involve notifying the doctor about medical conditions which may be affected by the the inhaler. These include narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid disorders, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and seizures. Also, it is important to take only the amount prescribed. An overdose may possibly cause death, especially in people with asthma. Another negative quality about the Combivent inhaler is that it could induce constriction of the airways.

Drug Interactions

The medicine in Combivent can interact with other drugs. Beta blockers, such as carvedilol, metoprolol, and propranolol can interact with the Combivent inhaler. Diuretics and MAOIs such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, and tranylcypromine can also be affected by the ingredients in the Combivent inhaler.

Directions

Shake the inhaler forcefully for about 10 seconds. Before using the Combivent inhaler for the first time, discharge the inhaler three times. The dosage for the inhaler is two inhalations four times a day. The total amount of inhalations shouldn’t be greater than 12 in 24 hours. The inhaler works with a mouthpiece that is specific to it. It isn’t recommended to use a separate mouthpiece. Each inhaler has enough medication for about 200 inhalations.

The inhaler should be stored in a safe area with a temperature between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The inhaler is pressurized, so avoid puncturing the container or placing it near an open flame. If the inhaler is stored in temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, it may burst.

Reference

1. “Shake It Up - Combivent Inhalation Aerosol.” Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. https://www.combivent.com/

2. “Combivent.” Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/combivent.html

3. “Combivent.” Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. https://bidocs.boehringer-ingelheim.com/BIWebAccess/ViewServlet.ser?docBase=renetnt&folderPath=/Prescribing+Information/PIs/Combivent+IA/combivent.pdf