What is Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide?

Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide is a combination bronchodilator medication that helps relaxing the muscles in the airpassage, thereby increasing the air flow to the lungs. It is prescribed as an inhaled medication for the prevention or treatment of bronchospasm (also a feature of asthma) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 
Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide is marketed and sold under several trade names, some of which are Combivent and Duolin (made by Cipla).

Important Information about Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide

You must keep this medication (Combivent, Duolin) with you at all times. Do not allow the medication to get empty completely. Refill in advance. Keep using all other medication as prescribed.
Do not use Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide if you have a known allergy to Levosalbutamol or Ipratropium Bromide. This medication is belongs to the FDA pregnancy category C which means it is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. It is also not known whether this medicine can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. You must consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are a pregnant or breast feeding woman. Do not take this medicine on your own.
Inform your doctor right away if any of your asthma medication does not seem to function properly in treating your condition. An increased need for asthma medication can be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. 

Before taking Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide

Before taking Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide, let your doctor know if you have or have ever had any of these conditions: heart disease, high blood pressure, vision problem (such as gluaucoma), congestive heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder, seizure disorder (such as epilepsy), diabetes, or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Let your doctor also know if you are allergic to soybean, peanuts, or food products that contain soy lecithin.

How should I take Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide?
Take Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide (Combivent, Duolin) strictly according to your doctor’s direction or the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide after the prescribed period is over. Follow the instructions which come along with the medication if you are in any doubt.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide for any reasons, take it as soon as you remember it. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Doubling on doses may lead to overdose and serious sideeffects.

What if I overdose?

An overdose of Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide can be fatal. Call the Doctor immediately if you overdose on this medication. Overdose symptoms include nervousness, headache, dry mouth, chest pain or heavy feeling, rapid or uneven heart rate, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, dizziness, seizure (convulsions), lightheadedness, or fainting.

Things and Activities to avoid while taking Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide

Strictly follow any diet or activity restrictions advised by your doctor while taking Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide.

Side Effects of Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide

Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide like all medications may cause side effects. Though all people who use this medication may not experience any side effects, that may not be true for you. Some of the side effects include headache, dizziness, insomnia, cough, hoarseness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, dry mouth and throat, muscle pain, or diarrhea. These are some non serious side effects and they may be temporary. If any of these side effects worsen or persist for longer, contact your doctor right away.
Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide may rarely cause serious side effects such as worsening bronchospasm, chest pain, pounding or uneven heartbeats, tremor, nervousness, or low potassium levels (which leads to confusion, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, or muscle weakness).
This is however, not a complete list of side effects due to Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide. There may be others. If you experience any serious side effect due to this medication, seek medical help immediately. 

Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide Dosing Information

Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide dosage will be fixed by your doctor after examining you properly. Dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Stick to your doctor’s prescription strictly. 

Interaction with other drugs

There are several drugs that can interact with Levosalbutamol and Ipratropium Bromide. You must inform your doctor about all other medications which you may be using, especially these ones: diuretics, beta blockers (Atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, and others), antidepressants (amitriptyline,doxepin, nortriptyline, and others), MAO inhibitors ( furazolidone, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, and others), or other bronchodilators (salmeterol, metaproterenol, or isoproterenol). This list is non exhaustive. There may be other interacting drugs. Do not start a new medication without proper medical screening or advice.