What is albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?
Albuterol and ipratropium are bronchodilators that relax muscles in the airways and increase air flow to the lungs.
The combination of albuterol and ipratropium is used as an inhaled medication to prevent bronchospasm in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are also using other medicines to control their condition.
Albuterol and ipratropium inhalation may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), ipratropium (Atrovent), or atropine (Atreza, Sal-Tropine). Do not use Combivent if you are allergic to soybeans, peanuts, or other food products that contain soya lecithin.
Before you use this medicine, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, a heart rhythm disorder, seizures, diabetes, overactive thyroid, an enlarged prostate, urination problems, liver disease, or kidney disease.
Call your doctor right away if any of your medications do not seem to work as well in preventing bronchospasm.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using albuterol and ipratropium inhalation?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), ipratropium (Atrovent), or atropine (Atreza, Sal-Tropine). Do not use Combivent if you are allergic to soybeans, peanuts, or other food products that contain soya lecithin.
To make sure you can safely use this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
heart disease, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or heart rhythm disorder;
a seizure disorder such as epilepsy;
diabetes;
overactive thyroid;
glaucoma;
enlarged prostate, problems with urination; or
liver or kidney disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using albuterol and ipratropium inhalation.