albuterol and ipratropium (inhalation)

What is the most important information I should know about albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?

What is albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?

Albuterol and ipratropium are bronchodilators that relax muscles in the airways and increase air flow to the lungs.

Albuterol and ipratropium inhalation is used to prevent bronchospasm in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are also using other medicines to control their condition.

Albuterol and ipratropium inhalation may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or heart rhythm disorder;
• a seizure disorder such as epilepsy;
• diabetes;
• overactive thyroid;
• glaucoma;
• liver or kidney disease; or
• enlarged prostate, problems with urination.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Albuterol and ipratropium inhalation is usually used 4 times per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Do not use more than 6 inhalations in a 24-hour period.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Always use the new inhaler device provided with your refill.

To use the inhaler:

• You do not need to shake the inhaler before use.
• Uncap the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Breathe out fully. Put the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips. Keep your eyes closed to prevent spraying any medicine into your eyes. Breathe in slowly while pressing the dose-release button on the inhaler. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
• Close the cap until you use your inhaler again.
• Carefully follow all directions for cleaning your specific inhaler device once per week.

Keep track of the number of sprays you have used. Throw away the Combivent Respimat inhaler canister after 3 months or 120 sprays, whichever comes first.

To use the solution with a nebulizer:

• Open the foil pouch and remove one vial. Empty the medicine into the chamber of the nebulizer. Attach the mouthpiece or face mask, then attach the drug chamber to the compressor.
• Sit upright in a comfortable position. Place the mouthpiece into your mouth or put on the face mask, covering your nose and mouth. Turn on the compressor.
• Breathe in slowly and evenly until no more mist is formed by the nebulizer and the drug chamber is empty.
• Clean the nebulizer after each use. Follow the cleaning directions that came with your nebulizer.

To make sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects on your lungs, you may need to have chest X rays or other frequent lung function tests.

Keep the cover on your inhaler when not in use. Keep away from open flame or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?

What are the possible side effects of albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?

• wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medicine;
• chest pain;
• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest;
• tremors, nervousness;
• swelling of your ankles or feet;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• painful or difficult urination; or
• low potassium --leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects may include:

• headache;
• trouble breathing; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, or sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a diuretic or "water pill";
• heart or blood pressure medicine;
• other beta-blockers; or
• an antidepressant.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect albuterol and ipratropium, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about albuterol and ipratropium inhalation.