Albuterol sulfate and Ipratropium bromide inhalation
Category: Albuterol sulfate and Ipratropium bromide inhalation
Info:
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. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
IPRATROPIUM/ALBUTEROL SOLUTION - INHALATION
(al-BYOU-ter-ohl/ip-ruh-TROW-pee-um)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): DuoNeb
USES: This combination medication is used to treat severe breathing trouble (bronchospasm) in patients with lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD).
HOW TO USE: Inhale this medication into the mouth and lungs using a special breathing device (nebulizer) usually 4 times daily, or use as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist on the proper use of a nebulizer with this medication. The dosage is usually one 3ml vial added to the nebulizer, but may be based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because serious side effects could occur.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, blurred vision, dry mouth, and drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: sore throat, heartburn, back pain, leg cramps. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: wheezing, severe trouble breathing (worsening of COPD symptoms), eye pain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, unusually fast or irregular heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., arrhythmias, heart failure), high blood pressure (hypertension), thyroid problems (e.g., hyperthyroidism), low potassium levels (hypokalemia), diabetes, bladder problems, prostate problems, glaucoma (narrow-angle type only), kidney problems, liver problems, any allergies (especially to atropine). Avoid getting any of this medicine in your eyes; proper use of the nebulizer may help decrease the risk of eye exposure. Wash your eyes with water if this occurs. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: certain stomach medicine (e.g., anticholinergics such as atropine, dicyclomine, hyoscyamine), anti-Parkinson's drugs (e.g., benztropine, trihexyphenidyl), bladder control drugs (e.g., oxybutynin, tolterodine), eye drops that dilate the eyes (e.g., homatropine), stimulant-like drugs (e.g., ephedrine, pseudoephedrine), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), certain "water-pills" (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide). Tell your doctor if you are currently taking, or have taken in the last 2 weeks, any: MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose include: unusually fast heartbeat, seizures.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at between 36 and 77 degrees F (2 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).