Combivent (Inhalation)
Questions
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how often can I use my combivent inhaler?
How often can I use combivent inhaler?
by nikki dziatkowicz in weirton, wv, 06/29/2007
Combivent (Inhalation) Drug and Prescription Information
Combivent (Inhalation)
Combivent (Inhalation) Medication Classification
IPRATROPIUM/ALBUTEROL (By breathing)
Combivent (Inhalation) Brandname
Combivent, Duoneb
Combivent (Inhalation) is used for the Treatment
Albuterol (al-BYOO-ter-ol), Ipratropium (i-pra-TROE-pee-um) Treats asthma and other lung problems such as chronic bronchitis.
When To Not Use Combivent (Inhalation)
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to albuterol (Ventolin®, Proventil®), ipratropium (Atrovent®), levalbuterol (Xopenex™), or atropine. You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to soya lecithin, soybeans, or peanuts.
How Should You Use Combivent (Inhalation)
Aerosol
- Your doctor will tell how much medicine to use and how often. You should not use more of the medicine or use it more often than your doctor ordered.
- You will use this medicine with a device called a nebulizer or a metered-dose inhaler. A nebulizer turns the medicine into a fine mist that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. A metered-dose inhaler fits on the medicine canister and turns the medicine into a fine spray. You may be told to use a spacer tube that is placed between the inhaler and your mouth. Your caregiver will show you how to use your inhaler and the spacer (if needed).
- This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Never share your medicine with anyone. If a dose is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Proper Combivent (Inhalation) Storage
Store Combivent (Inhalation) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep Combivent (Inhalation) and all medications out of the reach of children.
What To Avoid While Using Combivent (Inhalation)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using digoxin (Lanoxin®), or any blood pressure medicines or diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor if you have used medicine for depression such as amitriptyline or an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®) within the past 2 weeks.
- This medicine should not be used together with similar inhaled medicines such as albuterol (Ventolin®), levalbuterol (Xopenex™), isoproterenol (Isuprel®), metaproterenol (Alupent®), pirbuterol (Maxair®), or terbutaline (Brethaire®).
Combivent (Inhalation) Warnings
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, seizures, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or problems with urination.
- Take all of your asthma medicines as your doctor ordered. If you use any type of corticosteroid medicine to control your asthma, keep using it as ordered by your doctor. This includes corticosteroid medicines that are taken by mouth or inhaled (such as prednisone, Azmacort®, Flovent®). If any of your asthma medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your doctor right away. Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.
Combivent (Inhalation) Side Effects
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
- Chest pain, or fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Tremors or shaking
- Worsening asthma symptoms If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth or throat, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose
- Leg cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach
- Nervousness, trouble sleeping
- Problems with urination
