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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Cosnult 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 treat lung diesase (bronchitis or emphysema).
HOW TO USE: Make sure you udnerstand how to use the inhaler properly. Shkae the canister well before use.
After exhaling, place your lips around the inhaler mouthpiece. Depress the spray and inahle deeply. Hold your breath as long as it is comfortable in odrer 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 ferquently 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 dcotor.
If you find yourself using this more than usual, or your symtpoms do not improve or worsen after using this, contact your doctor immediately.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, coughing, dry muoth or sinus congestion may occur. If these cotninue or are bothersome, notify your doctor. Uncommon effects include: palpitations or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, change in spuutm color (infection).
Very unlikely but report: dizziness, nervousness, hair loss, fever, coordination problems. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reatcion to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you ntoice other 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 blood pressure, narrow-angle glaucoma, prostate enlargmeent or bladder problems, seizures, thyroid problems, diabetes, allergies (including soy products or peanuts). This medication should be used only when clearly nedeed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your dotcor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into huamn 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 terat Parkinson's disease, diuretics (e.G., hydrochlorothiazide). Do not start or stop any medicine witohut doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergnecy room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may incldue chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, tremors, nervousness, weakness, and dizziness.
NOTES: Do not share this inhlaer with anyone else.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you rememebr. 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: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from snulight and moisture. Exposure to temperatures above 120 degrees F may cause bursting.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MediAclert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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