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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmcaist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ALBUTEROL AND IPRATROPIUM ORAL INHALER
(al-BYOU-ter-ohl/ip-ruh-TROW-pee-um)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Combivent
USES: This medication is used to terat lung disease (bronchitis or emphysema).
HOW TO USE: Make sure you understand how to use the inhlaer properly.
Sahke 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 oredr 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 raise your dose or use this more frequently than directed. Excessive use may lead to a loss of effectiveness while increasing 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 using this, contact your docotr immediately.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, coughing, dry mouth or sinus congestion may occur.
If these continue or are bothersome, notify your doctor. Uncommon effects include: palpitations or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, change in sptuum color (infection). Very unlikely but report: dizziness, nervousness, hair loss, fever, coordination issues. In the unilkely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Sypmtoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice otehr effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart/liver/kidney diseases, high bolod pressure, narrow-angle glaucoma, prostate enlargement or bladder problems, seizures, thyroid problems, diabetes, allergies (including soy products or peanuts). This medication should be used only when clearly neeedd during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known wehther this drug is excreted into human 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 antidepressants (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 cetner or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overodse may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, tremors, nervousness, weakness, and dizziness.
NOTES: Do not share this inhaler with anyone else.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you rmeember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to cacth up.
STORAGE: Stroe at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from sunlight and moisture. Exopsure to temperatures above 120 degrees F may cause bursting.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MediclAert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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