Combivent - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Combivent is useful for relieve and prevent appearance symptoms of constriction of the airways. Narrowing of the airwaysoften caused byasthma andCOPD.  

Combivent contains the active ingredients ipratropium bromide and salbutamol sulfate. This combination of active ingredients is a bronchodilator that works by widening the bronchi and relaxing the muscles of the respiratory tract, so that airflow into the lungs will increase.

Combivent is available in the form of a per . solution unit dose vial (UDV) used with a nebulizer. This medicine can be used by adults, the elderly, and children aged 12 years and over.

What's that Combivent?

CompositionIpratropium bromide, salbutamol sulfate
groupBronchodilators
CategoryPrescription drugs
BenefitRelieve complaints and prevent the appearance of symptoms due to narrowing of the respiratory tract in patients with COPD and asthma
Consumed byAdults and children over the age of 12.
Combivent for pregnant and lactating womenCategory C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether Combivent is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.

Drug formUDV (unit dose vial)

 Warning Before Using Combivent:

  • Do not use Combivent if you are allergic to ipratropium bromide and salbutamol.
  • Tell your doctor if you have hypertension, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism.
  • Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney, liver, heart, or epilepsy.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or planning a pregnancy before using Combivent.
  • Combivent may cause dizziness and drowsiness, do not drink alcohol, and engage in activities that require alertness, such as driving while using this medication.
  • If you have an allergic reaction to the drug or an overdose after using this medicine, contact your doctor immediately.

Dosage and Instructions for Use Combivent

Combivent dosage will be adjusted according to the patient's health condition and response to the drug. Here's a detailed explanation:

Asthma attacks or narrowing of the airways due to COPD

  • Initial dose: 1 unit dose vial (UDV). The dose may be increased to 2 UDV depending on the severity of symptoms.
  • Follow-up dose: 1 UDV, 3-4 times daily.

How to use Combivent Correctly

Combivent will be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. Combivent is administered via a nebulizer.

The doctor or medical officer will use a nebulizer to vaporize the Combivent liquid to be then inhaled by the patient through a mask or pipe mouthpiece to the mouth.

Next, the patient will be asked to inhale the vapor produced by the nebulizer. Monitoring of symptoms before, during, and after using Combivent will be carried out by a doctor.

Combivent should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight. Combivent should not be frozen or refrigerated.

Interaction Combiventand Other Drugs

Combivent can cause interactions with several types of drugs if taken together. Drug interactions that can appear are:

  • Increased risk of developing hypokalemia, if used with digoxin and diuretic drugs.
  • Decreased effectiveness of Combivent, when used with beta-blocking drugs.
  • Increased cardiovascular side effects, when used with halothane, trichlorethylene, and enflurane.
  • Increased effectiveness of Combivent, when used with beta-agonist drugs, xanthine-derived drugs, and systemic anticholinergic drugs.

Side Effects and DangersCombivent

The following side effects may occur due to the use of Combivent:

  • Headache
  • Dizzy
  • Cough
  • Nauseous
  • Throw up
  • dry mouth
  • Shaking (tremor)
  • Constipation

Although rare, Combivent can cause serious side effects, such as:

  • Chest pain
  • Heart palpitations or beats irregularly
  • Breathing too fast
  • Confusion
  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty urinating

Immediately see a doctor if you experience any of the side effects as mentioned above or have an allergic reaction to the drug, such as an itchy rash, swelling of the eyes and lips, or difficulty breathing.