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Combivent Respimat

Generic name: albuterol and ipratropiumal-BUE-ter-ol-and-IP-ra-TRO-pee-um ]
Drug class: Bronchodilator combinations

Medically reviewed by Kaci Durbin, MD. Last updated on Oct 31, 2023.

What is Combivent Respimat?

Combivent Respimat contains a combination of albuterol and ipratropium. Albuterol and ipratropium are bronchodilators that relax muscles in the airways and increase air flow to the lungs.

Combivent Respimat is used to prevent bronchospasm (tightening and narrowing of the airways) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are also using other medicines to control their condition.

Warnings

You should not use Combivent if you are allergic to albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), ipratropium (Atrovent), or atropine (Atreza, Lomotil, Vi-Atro, Sal-Tropine).

Before you use Combivent, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, coronary artery disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, seizures, diabetes, thyroid disease, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, urination problems, liver disease, or kidney disease.

Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working as well. Overuse of albuterol and ipratropium may increase the risk of death. It is critical that you use only the prescribed dose of Combivent Respimat.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Combivent Respimat if you are allergic to albuterol, ipratropium, or atropine.

To make sure Combivent Respimat is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Combivent is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use Combivent Respimat?

Use Combivent Respimat exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Combivent Respimat is usually used 4 times per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Do not use more than 6 inhalations in a 24-hour period.

Overuse of Combivent Respimat may increase the risk of death. It is critical that you use only the prescribed dose of this medicine.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Always use the new inhaler device provided with your refill.

To use the inhaler:

Keep track of the number of sprays you have used. Throw away the Combivent Respimat inhaler canister after 3 months or 120 sprays, whichever comes first.

Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working as well.

To make sure Combivent is not causing harmful effects on your lungs, you may need to have chest X rays or other frequent lung function tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep each vial in its foil pouch until you are ready to use it.

Keep the cover on your inhaler when not in use. Keep away from open flame or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -- Maintenance:

Inhalation Aerosol:
1 inhalation (albuterol-ipratropium bromide 100 mcg-20 mcg) orally four times a day. Additional inhalations can be taken as required.
Maximum dose: 6 inhalations in 24 hours

-If a previously effective regimen fails to provide the usual relief, medical advice should be sought immediately, as this is often a sign of worsening COPD and may require reassessment of therapy.

Use: In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on a regular aerosol bronchodilator who continue to have evidence of bronchospasm and who require a second bronchodilator

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Combivent Respimat can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, tremors, dry mouth, extreme thirst, muscle weakness or limp feeling, severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, or feeling like you might pass out.

What should I avoid while using Combivent Respimat?

If this medication gets in your eyes, rinse with water and seek medical attention.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Combivent Respimat will affect you. Your vision or reactions could be impaired.

Combivent Respimat side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Combivent Respimat: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Combivent Respimat side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Combivent Respimat?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Combivent Respimat, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Combivent Respimat only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.