Combivent

Pronounced: COM-bi-vent
Generic name: Ipratropium bromide, Albuterol sulfate

Why is Combivent prescribed?

Combivent is prescribed for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) if they are already taking one airway-opening medication and need another. The product's two active ingredients act in distinctly different ways. Ipratropium quells airway-closing spasms in the bronchial walls. Albuterol relaxes the muscles in the walls, permitting them to expand. When used together, the two ingredients provide more relief than either can do alone.

Combivent is supplied in an aerosol canister for use only with the special Combivent mouthpiece.

Most important fact about Combivent

Overuse of this product can be fatal. Do not increase the dose or frequency without your doctor's okay. If you find that Combivent is becoming less effective, that your symptoms are getting worse, or that you need the product more frequently than usual, see your doctor immediately.

How should you take Combivent?

Remove the orange protective cap from the mouthpiece and shake the canister well. If you are starting a new canister, or if more than 24 hours have passed since your last dose, test-spray the canister 3 times. For best results, make sure the canister is at room temperature. Do not use near an open flame.
1. Exhale deeply through your mouth, then close your lips around the mouthpiece. Keep your eyes closed to protect them against an accidental spray.
2. Inhale slowly through the mouth, and at the same time press down once on the canister's base.
3. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then remove the mouthpiece from your lips and exhale slowly.
4. Wait 2 minutes, shake the canister again, and repeat.

The mouthpiece can be washed with soap and hot water. Rinse it and dry thoroughly. Keep the mouthpiece capped when not in use. Count the number of sprays and discard each canister after 200 sprays; canisters may fail to deliver the proper dose if used for more than that amount.