Combivent
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Combivent is a prescription inhalant used by patients with asthma and COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.[1]
Combivent is one of the inhalers that will be withdrawn from the market by the end of 2013 because they employ environmentally-damaging CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons, as propellants.[2] A new propellant-free format, Combivent Respimat, has been approved by the FDA and will be available in July of 2012. This new inhaler contains the same active ingredients as the original, ipratropium bromide and lbuterol.[3]
While Combivent and Combivent Respimat are designed to alleviate bronchospasm, in rare cases the drugs can cause a bronchospasm that requires immediate medical intervention. Treatment of this paradoxical bronchospasm generally requires a course of steroids and discontinuation of any medications containing albuterol, including Combivent. In addition, the medication can be harmful to those with cardiovascular issues due to its beta-adrenergic-stimulating properties.[4]
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| Brand name for | Albuterol sulfate & ipratropium bromide |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Generic available? | No |
| Uses | Opens airways to allow easier breathing |
| Common side effects | Headache, dizziness, problems sleeping, nausea, dry mouth, etc.[4] |
| Major side effects | Elevated blood pressure or pulse rate[1] |
| Warnings | Combivent is not safe for anyone allergic to peanuts, soybeans, or other products containing soya lecithin[5] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Contents |
How to Get Combivent Coupons
Combivent Overview
Combivent is a combination of two medications, albuterol sulfate & ipratropium bromide, in a single, metered-dose inhaler.[6] These drugs open the airways, or bronchi, to allow easier breathing.
The two ingredients work in slightly different ways to maximize benefits. However, both are classified as bronchodilators, and work to relax the air passages that allow flow into the lungs.
The common dosage of Combivent is two inhalations four times a day, with additional puffs as required but not to exceed 12 puffs in 24 hours.[6] Shaking the Combivent inhaler for 10 seconds before both the first and second puff helps to ensure that the proper dosage is delivered.[7]
Combivent Abuse
Due to its stimulant effects, some users may abuse Combivent by taking it for non-medical purposes or by using more than the prescribed amount. Asthma patients who exceed the recommended dose may experience serious effects including cardiac arrest and death. Experts are unclear on the cause, but the development of an acute asthmatic attack is suspected.[5]
Combivent Side Effects
The most common Combivent side effects include:[1]
- bronchitis
- ear infections
- headache
- shortness of breath
- cough
There are also some more serious adverse reactions that occur with Combivent, although they are much more rare. These can include cardiovascular side effects like high blood pressure (hypertension), as well as increased pulse rate. In addition, asthma sufferers have overdosed and died from medicines with a similar makeup to Combivent. Therefore, it is important for patients to only take the drug as directed by their physician.[1]
Combivent may not be safe for patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, issues with the prostate, urinary problems, diabetes, seizures, thyroid disease, liver or kidney disease, or low potassium levels.[1]
Combivent and Pregnancy
Combivent is classified as Pregnancy Category C. No complete human studies have been conducted regarding the safety of Combivent or its drug components during pregnancy and lactation. However, animal research indicated that very high doses of albuterol can harm a fetus and interfere with uterine contractions during labor.
Although researchers don't know if the drugs in Combivent pass from mother to infant in breastmilk, it is not indicated for nursing mothers. The manufacturer states that new mothers will need to choose between the drug and breastfeeding.[7]
Also See: Combivent Coupons, Combivent Side Effects, Advair Side Effects, Advair Coupons, Albuterol. Albuterol Side Effects. Albuterol Coupons, Singulair Coupons
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 http://www.combivent.com/isi_patient.html
- ↑ http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra050380
- ↑ http://www.combivent.com/respimat.html
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://bidocs.boehringer-ingelheim.com/BIWebAccess/ViewServlet.ser?docBase=renetnt&folderPath=/Prescribing+Information/PIs/Combivent+Respimat/CMVTRSPT.pdf
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/mobile/drugInfo.cfm?id=39452
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 http://www.combivent.com/biker_whatis.html
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 http://bidocs.boehringer-ingelheim.com/BIWebAccess/ViewServlet.ser?docBase=renetnt&folderPath=/Prescribing+Information/PIs/Combivent+IA/combivent.pdf
