Specification | |
US Brand Name | Combivent |
Strength | 1.25 mg + 500 mcg |
Generic Name | Levosalbutamol + Ipratropium Bromide |
Manufacturer | Cipla |
Pharmaceutical Form | Respules |
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.