Combivent (Ipratropium Bromide) - a Medical Guide to Combivent, Uses & Combivent Side Effects
Combivent (Ipratropium bromide and Albuterol Sulfate) is a combination of ipratropium and albuterol Inhalation Aerosol used for the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD.)
Combivent belongs to the bronchodilators family. Albuterol and ipratropium are the generic names of the drug, and together they work to increase and improve the air flow to the lungs by relaxing the bronchial muscles.
Uses:
- The famous use for Combivent is to prevent bronchospasm caused by irritants. It is used by an asthmatic person or those who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or (COPD.)
Other uses:
- There are no other approved uses for this drug; however there may be other future uses for it.
Combivent Side Effects:
List of common and expected side effects:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Sleep problems
- Flu-like symptoms such as runny nose and sore throat
- Weird taste in the mouth
- Tingly feeling
- Digestive system disturbances
- Difficulty passing urine
- Upset stomach
- Constant coughing
More Serious Side Effects:
Get medical attention right away if shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitation, lightheadedness, fever, irregular heartbeat, muscle cramp, vomiting, unusual swelling of limbs and increased blood pressure develops.
Withdrawals:
Sudden discontinuation of the drug can lead to serious problems. Consult your doctor immediately for proper withdrawal guidelines.
Dosage/ How to Take the Medicine:
- You can take Combivent either with an inhaler or with a nebulizer. Inhaler - If you are going to use an inhaler for the first time, prime it first by spraying two times in the air. Shake the canister for ten seconds with each spray and clean it once a week with warm water for thirty seconds. Wait until dry before you put it all together. Nebulizer - Put in the desired amount and inhale the mist produced by the machine. Sit upright and wait until the mist disappears.
What to avoid / Drug Interactions:
Avoid getting the medication in your eyes. If it accidentally enters your eyes, rinse it with water and call for medical help. If you also happen to miss a dose, do take it as soon as you remember it and never double dose yourself. Never store your inhalers inside parked cars and in direct heat as it can lose its efficiency.
Also, tell your doctor if you are suffering from or have these conditions:
- Have kidney disease
- Have thyroid disorder
- Glaucoma
- Prostate cancer
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Seizures
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
Cambivent is FDA pregnancy category C rated. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Consult with your doctor if you're pregnant or plan to be pregnant while taking this drug. It is also not known whether this medication can pass into breast milk. So before you take this drug speak with your doctor if you are a nursing mother.
An allergy to soy lecithin, peanuts and soy beans is also indicative of allergy to Combivent. Therefore, if you have allergy to the said products, tell your doctor right away and ask for an alternative. If your medication doesnt make any difference, consult your physician about it as he or she may increase or change your medication.