Combivent

The ipratropium in Combivent can aggravate glaucoma (high pressure in the eye), prostate enlargement, and urinary difficulties. The albuterol it contains can cause problems for people with epilepsy, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid. Use Combivent with caution if you have any of these conditions.

If the Combivent aerosol gets in your eyes, it can cause eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision, visual halos, colored images, or high pressure in the eye. Check with your doctor immediately if you develop any of these problems.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Combivent

Combivent can be taken with other drugs for COPD, but you should use other inhaled medications only as directed by your doctor. If Combivent is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Combivent with the following:

• Airway-opening drugs such as albuterol, levalbuterol, metaproterenol, salmeterol, and terbutaline
• Drugs classified as beta blockers, including acebutolol, atenolol, and propranolol
• Drugs classified as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, such as the antidepressants phenelzine and tranylcypromine
• Spasm-quelling medications such as hyoscyamine sulfate
• Water pills (diuretics) such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as desipramine, doxepin, and protriptyline

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Combivent during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

It's not known whether the components of Combivent appear in breast milk, but it's considered best to avoid use of the drug if you are breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage for Combivent

ADULTS

The usual dosage is 2 inhalations 4 times a day. You can take additional inhalations as required up to a total of 12 inhalations each 24 hours.

Overdosage

An overdose of Combivent can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Combivent overdose may include:
  Chest pain (angina), high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, cardiac arrest