Ipratropium and albuterol: Patient drug information

(For additional information see "Ipratropium and albuterol: Drug information" and see "Ipratropium and albuterol: Pediatric drug information")

You must carefully read the "Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer" below in order to understand and correctly use this information.

Brand Names: US

Combivent Respimat

Brand Names: Canada

Apo-Salvent-Ipravent Sterules;
Combivent Respimat;
Combivent UDV;
ratio-Ipra Sal UDV;
Teva-Combo Sterinebs

What is this drug used for?

It is used to open the airways in lung diseases where spasm may cause breathing problems.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you take other drugs called anticholinergics, like ipratropium or oxybutynin. Ask your doctor if you are not sure if any of your drugs are anticholinergic.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you.
Do not take more of this drug or use it more often than you have been told. Deaths have happened when too much of this drug was taken. Talk with your doctor.
Call your doctor right away if your normal dose does not work well, if your signs get worse, or if you need to use this drug more often than normal.
If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
Do not get this drug in the eyes.
If this drug gets in the eyes, rinse with water right away. Call the doctor right away if this drug gets in the eyes and blurred eyesight, worsened glaucoma, or eye pain happens.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of low potassium levels like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.
Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
Chest pain or pressure, a fast heartbeat, or an abnormal heartbeat.
Change in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation.
Seeing halos or bright colors around lights.
Red eyes.
Trouble passing urine, pain when passing urine, passing urine in a weak stream or drips, or passing urine more often.
This drug can cause very bad breathing problems right after you take a dose. Sometimes, this may be life-threatening. If you have trouble breathing, breathing that is worse, wheezing, or coughing after using this drug, use a rescue inhaler and get medical help right away.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
Feeling nervous and excitable.
Headache.
Shakiness.
Nose or throat irritation.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
Inhaler:
For breathing into the lungs.
Prepare the inhaler before first use. Spray towards the ground until mist is seen. Once the mist is seen, spray 3 more times. If it has been more than 3 days since it has been used, spray once at the ground. If not used in more than 21 days, you will need to prepare the inhaler again. Spray until mist is seen then spray 3 more times.
Put the cap back on after you are done using your dose.
If you are using more than 1 inhaled drug, ask the doctor which drug to use first.
After all sprays have been used, the inhaler will lock.
Liquid for breathing in:
For breathing in only as a liquid (solution) by a special machine (nebulizer) into the lungs.
Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
Do not use if solution changes color.
Do not mix other drugs in nebulizer.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

If you use this drug on a regular basis, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
Many times this drug is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
Protect from light.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Inhaler:
After putting together, throw away the inhaler 3 months after first use or when the inhaler locks.
Liquid for breathing in:
Store unused containers in foil pouch until use.

General drug facts

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Last Reviewed Date2020-10-22

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

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Ipratropium and albuterol: Patient drug information