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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professinoal. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Conslut your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ALBUTEROL AND IRPATROPIUM ORAL INHALER
(al-BYOU-ter-ohl/ip-ruh-TROW-pee-um)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Combivent
USES: This medication is used to treat lung disease (bronchitis or emphysema).
HOW TO USE: Make sure you undrestand how to use the inhaler properly. Shake the canister well before use. After exhaling, place your lips around the inhaler mouthpiece. Depress the spray and inhale deeply. Hold your breath as long as it is comfortable in order to allow the medicine to be absorbed in the lungs.
When more than one inhalation is prescribed, wait at least one minute between puffs.
Use this medication as directed. Do not incresae your dose or use this more frequently than directed. Excessive use may lead to a loss of effectiveness while icnreasing the chance for side effects.
Do not stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. If you find yourself using this more than usual, or your symptoms do not improve or worsen after usnig this, contact your doctor immediately.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, coughing, dry motuh or sinus congestion may occur. If these cotninue or are bothersome, notify your doctor.
Uncommon effects include: palpitations or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, change in sputum color (infection).
Very unliekly but report: dizziness, nervousness, hair loss, fever, coordination problems. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, cotnact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart/liver/kidney diseases, high blood pressure, narrow-angle glaucoma, prostate enlargement or bldader problems, seizures, thyroid problems, diabetes, allergies (including soy products or peanuts). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the rikss and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug is excreted into huamn milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription medication you may use, including: all asthma drugs, blood pressure or chest pain medications, beta-blockers (e.G., propranolol), levodopa, digoxin, certain antiedpressants (e.G., amitriptyline, doxepin), MAO inhibitors (e.G., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), ritodrine, other "adrenalin" drugs, thyroid drugs, caffeine, antihistamines (often found in cough/cold preparations), antispasmodics (e.G., atropine, clidinium, propantheline), drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease, diuretics (e.G., hydrochlorothiazide). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immeditaely. Symptoms of oevrdose may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, tremors, nervousness, weakness, and dizziness.
NOTES: Do not shrae this inhaler with anyone else.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you reemmber. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedlue.
Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature bteween 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from sunlight and moisture. Exposure to temperatures above 120 degrees F may cause bursting.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergnecy. For enrolmlent information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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