Generic Combivent (Levosalbutamol / Ipratropium bromide)

Common use

Combivent contains two active substances: ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) and Levosalbutamol. Ipratropium blocks m-cholinoreceptors of smooth muscles in the bronchi and treacheas, suppresses reflect constriction of bronchis, decreases secretion of the mucous membrane in the respiratory tract. The drug is used in treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with spasm of the airways. Effect of bronchodilators consists in dilatation and enlargement of the airways by relaxing the muscles of respiratory tract. Ipatropium works different way, it has a structural similarity with acetylcholine and becomes its competitive antagonist. The medication effectively prevents spasm of the bronchi due to breathing with cigarette smoke, cold air, activity of different agents which cause spasm of bronchi associated with influence of n.vagus.

Dosage and direction

Each condition and patient need individual dose.

Precautions

Cautiousness should be exercised in individuals with close-angle glaucoma, urinary tract obstruction (prostatic hypertrophy), problems with urination;, coronary artery disease, hypertension, heart failure, tachyarrhythmia, epileptic syndrome, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, hypokalemia, liver or kidney failure, pregnancy, breastfeeding women. Safety of Combivent has not be studied in children.

heart disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure;

Contraindications

The medication cannot be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to the components of Combivent, atropine (Atreza, Sal-Tropine), peanuts, soybeans, or other food products that contain soya lecithin.

Possible side effect

If signs of allergic reaction become bothersome you should immediately contact your doctor or pharmacist. Other most frequent adverse reactions include bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing), especially after starting a new inhaler, uneven heart beats, chest pain and fast, pounding, increased blood pressure (severe headache, chest pain, numbness, seizure, blurred vision, trouble concentrating), swelling of your ankles or feet, pain or burning with urination,.

Drug interaction

Inform your doctor about all medications and herbal products you are taking and especially about atropine (Donnatal, and others), belladonna preparations, clidinium (Quarzan), mepenzolate (Cantil), glycopyrrolate (Robinul), methantheline (Provocholine), hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others), dicyclomine (Bentyl), propantheline (Pro-Banthine), propantheline (Pro-Banthine), methscopolamine (Pamine), scopolamine (Transderm-Scop), methscopolamine (Pamine), scopolamine (Transderm-Scop), a beta-blocker such as carvedilol (Coreg), atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), metoprolol (Lopressor), propranolol (Inderal); methscopolamine (Pamine), scopolamine (Transderm-Scop), diuretics, diet pills, a stimulant, ADHD medication, or over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines, an MAO inhibitor such as phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam),or tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Missed dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.

Overdose

Combivent overdose may be fatal. If you experience rapid or uneven heart rate, chest pain or heavy feeling, weakness, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, or general ill feeling contact your pharmacist or doctor immediately.

Storage

Combivent inhaler should be stored at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F).