Combivent

Information on Combivent

14.7gm Inhaler
Chemical Name: IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE (i-pra-TROE-pee-um BROE-mide) and ALBUTEROL (al-BYOO-ter-ole)

Common uses
This medicine is a bronchodilator and a beta receptor stimulant combination used to treat or prevent symptoms of asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or other breathing conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY COME with an instruction leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE, be sure that the canister is properly inserted into the inhaler unit and SHAKE WELL. Exhale slowly and deeply. UNLESS YOUR DOCTOR HAS TOLD YOU OTHERWISE, position the mouthpiece between your lips and try to rest your tongue flat. Your doctor may have told you to hold the inhaler 1 or 2 inches (2 or 3 centimeters) away from your open mouth or may have instructed you to use a special spacing device. AS YOU START TO TAKE A SLOW, DEEP BREATH, PRESS THE CANISTER AND MOUTHPIECE TOGETHER at exactly the same time to administer a dose of this medicine. Continue inhaling slowly and deeply and hold your breath for as long as comfortable, then exhale slowly through pursed lips or through your nose. If more than 1 inhalation is to be used, wait a few minutes and repeat the above process. KEEP THE SPRAY AWAY from your eyes. KEEP TRACK OF THE NUMBER of sprays you use and subtract this number from the number of doses in the container. This will help you know when the container is becoming empty. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Do not puncture, break, or burn container, even if it appears empty. CONTINUE TO USE this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Cautions
THIS MEDICINE CONTAINS SOYA LECITHIN. If you are allergic to soya lecithin, soybeans, or peanuts, check with your doctor before using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. AVOID GETTING THIS MEDICINE in your eyes. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. To prevent dry mouth, rinse your mouth and gargle after using this medicine. If you experience dry mouth, use sugarless gum or candy, or melt bits of ice in your mouth. If dry mouth persists for more than 2 weeks, contact your doctor or dentist. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include headache, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, dry mouth, throat irritation, cough, or fast heart rate. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience rash, hives, itching, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain; fast or irregular heartbeat; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; and severe or persistent nervousness, tremor, or trouble sleeping.

Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Carry an identification card at all times that states you are taking this medicine. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.