Combivent contains a combination of albuterol and ipratropium. Albuterol and ipratropium are bronchodilators that relax muscles in the airways and increase air flow to the lungs.rnrnCombivent is used to prevent bronchospasm in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are also using other medicines to control their condition.

The health and medical information provided here is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of this medicine is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.

Do not use Combivent if you are allergic to it, or to atropine (Atreza, Sal-Tropine), soybeans, peanuts, or other food products that contain soya lecithin.rnrnCall your doctor right away if you feel that this medicine is not working as well as usual, or if it makes your condition worse. If it seems like you need to use more of any of your medications in a 24-hour period, talk with your doctor.rnrnExtreme heat can cause the medicine canister to burst. Do not store your inhaler in your car on hot days. Do not throw an empty canister into open flame.

Stop using Combivent and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Combivent and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:rn rn bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing), especially after starting a new canister of this medicine;rn rn chest pain and fast, pounding, or uneven heart beats;rn rn swelling of your ankles or feet;rn rn pain or burning with urination; orrn rn increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure).rnrnLess serious Combivent side effects may include:rn rn headache, dizziness, nervousness;rn rn drowsiness or sleep problems (insomnia);rn rn cough, hoarseness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose;rn rn dry mouth, unusual taste in your mouth;rn rn tremors, numbness or tingly feeling;rn rn nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation; orrn rn blurred vision.

Use Combivent exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.rnrnCombivent may increase the risk of asthma-related death. It is critical that you use only the prescribed dose of this medicine and follow all patient instructions for safe use of the medication.rnrnCombivent comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.rnrnWhen using the inhaler device for the first time, prime it by spraying 2 test sprays into the air, away from your face. Also prime the inhaler if you have not used it for 3 days or longer.rnrnThe instructions below are for standard use of the inhaler and nebulizer devices. Your doctor may want you to use your device differently. Be sure you understand all instructions that are specific to your use of Combivent.rnrnTo use the inhaler:rnrn Shake the canister vigorously for at least 10 seconds before each spray.rn Uncap the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Breathe out fully. Put the mouthpiece into your mouth and close your lips. Keep your eyes closed to prevent spraying any medicine into your eyes. Breathe in slowly while pushing down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.rn rn If you use more than one inhalation at a time, wait at least 2 minutes before using the second inhalation.rn rn Keep your inhaler clean and dry, and store it with the cap on the mouthpiece. Clean your inhaler once a week by removing the canister and placing the mouthpiece under warm running water for at least 30 seconds. Allow the parts to dry before putting the inhaler back together. Call your doctor right away if you feel that this medicine is not working as well as usual, or if it makes your condition worse. If it seems like you need to use more of any of your medications in a 24-hour period, talk with your doctor.rnrnTo be sure Combivent is helping your condition, your lung function will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.rnrnIt is important to use Combivent regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Keep using all of your other medications as prescribed by your doctor.rnrnStore Combivent at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Extreme heat can cause the medicine canister to burst. Do not store it in your car on hot days. Do not throw an empty canister into open flame.rnrnKeep track of the number of sprays you have used and throw away the inhaler canister after 200 sprays, even if it feels like there is still medicine in it.