About Combivent and How it Works

Combivent is a metered dose combination medication that consists of two bronchodilators, Albuterol and Ipratropium that are used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when there is evidence of narrowing of the airways (bronchi). Bronchodilators enlarge the airways by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways.

Albuterol and ipratropium work in different ways, but both cause the muscles of the airways to relax. Albuterol is a beta-2 agonist type bronchodilator that stimulates beta-2 receptors on the smooth muscle cells that line the airways, causing these muscle cells to relax and thereby opening airways.

Ipratropium blocks the effect of acetylcholine in airways and nasal passages. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cholinergic nerves going to the lungs cause narrowing of airways by stimulating muscles surrounding airways to contract. The "anti-cholinergic" effect of Ipratropium blocks the effect of cholinergic nerves, causing the muscles to relax and airways to dilate.

Combivent and COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the term used for lung conditions that are long-term, gradually become worse, and reduce your airflow, causing a shortness of breath. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are considered COPDs.

Emphysema is a condition where the tiny air sacs in your lungs and elastic fibers in your bronchi and bronchioles become damaged.

Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the air sacs of the lungs. It's characterized by daily cough and mucus production.

People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer and a variety of other conditions. One of the most common risk factor for COPD is smoking! It’s never too late to quit smoking; so ask your doctor about cessation aids. There is no cure for COPD, but proper management with medications such as Combivent can provide relief from symptoms and improved quality of life.

Combivent and Other Medications

The potential for possible drug interactions with Combivent makes it important that your doctor and pharmacist are aware of all other medications you currently take, whether they require a prescription or not. You should review all medications you take and be aware of potential side effects and drug interactions.

Use of Combivent or Albuterol/Ipratropium generic with other anticholinergic drugs may increase the likelihood of side effects. The use of other stimulant medications with Combivent is not advised because of the possible effect on heart rate and blood pressure. Use of Albuterol/Ipratropium may cause low potassium levels, especially if you are taking loop diuretic medications.

Is There a Generic Form of Combivent?

Ipratropium/Albuterol, the generic form of Combivent, is available through some online pharmacies. Once you have obtained the necessary prescription from your doctor, you can buy Combivent generic online at a discount from NorthWestPharmacy.com. While the non-active ingredients in the brand name and generic form of Combivent may be different, the active medicinal ingredient is the same. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Combivent Precautions

Be certain your doctor or other healthcare worker has shown you how to use your inhaler and change canisters properly if this is your first time using Combivent. If this medication does not begin to help your symptoms quickly, or you find that you have increased difficulty breathing, or you need to use this medication more frequently, contact your doctor immediately.

Possible Combivent Side Effects

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Cough
• Headache
• Nausea

Drugs Similar to Combivent

• Advair Diskus
• Symbicort Turbuhaler
• Airomir Inhaler