Ipratropium Bromide/Albuterol Sulfate
Type of Drug:
Combination respiratory inhalant; anticholinergic bronchodilator (ipratropium) and beta adrenergic bronchodilator (albuterol).
How the Drug Works:
Ipratropium blocks the action of the chemical transmitter acetylcholine.
Acetylcholine causes the muscles around the bronchial tubes to spasm and constrict, which makes it harder to breathe. By blocking acetylcholine, ipratropium allows these muscles to relax, widening the bronchial tubes (bronchodilation) and allowing more air into the lungs.
Albuterol dilates (opens) the bronchial tubes of the lungs by relaxing the muscles around the bronchial tubes. This allows for easier air flow into and out of the lungs. It also assists in removing (expectorating) mucus and other debris causing congestion in the lungs ..
Uses:
To treat bronchospasm in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CaPO) who are on a regular inhalant bronchodilator but continue to have symptoms of bronchial tube spasm.
Precautions:
Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits out-weigh the possible hazards to the fetus.
Breastfeeding: It is not known whether ipratropium/albuterol appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.
Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.
Drug Interactions:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with this drug. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with this drug:
Anticholinergic agents (eg, dicyclomine)
Beta-adrenergic agents (eg, epinephrine)
Beta-receptor blocking agents (eg, propranolol)
Diuretics (eg, thiazides)
MAOls (eg, phenelzine)
Tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline)
Side Effects:
Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. possible side effects include:
Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; indigestion; taste changes; dry mouth; diarrhea.
Nervous System: Headache; fatigue; sleeplessness; dizziness; nervousness; tremor.
Respiratory System: Runny nose; sore throat; coughing; difficulty breathing; bronchospasm; bronchitis; pneumonia; sinus infection; upper respiratory tract infection; flulike symptoms; increased mucus.
Circulatory System: Abnormal heart rhythm; pounding in the chest (palpitations); rapid heartbeat; high blood pressure.
Other: Chest, joint, or general body pain; cramps; swelling of feet, ankles, or hands and fingers (edema); difficulty speaking; abnormal skin sensations (eg, burning, prickling, tingling); urinary tract infection; voice alteations.
Guidelines for Use:
Read and follow the patient instructions provided.
Dosage is individualized. Do not exceed recommended dosage. Take exactly as prescribed.
Do not stop taking or change the dose unless instructed by your doctor.
Contact your doctor immediately if your medicine becomes less effective, your breathing symptoms become worse, or if you need to use the medicine more frequently than usual.
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless instructed by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Do not take other inhaled drugs during therapy unless instructed by your doctor.
Aerosol- Shake aerosol canister well before each use. Test spray 3 times before using the first time or if the aerosol has not been used for longer than 24 hours. The recommended dose is 2 inhalations 4 times daily, which should last 4 to 5 hours or longer. Additional inhalations may be taken as required, but do not exceed 12 inhalations in 24 hours. Use of a spacing device (eg, Aerochamber) will enhance effectiveness and decrease side effects. Breathe out fully through the mouth, expelling as much air from the lungs as possible. Place the mouthpiece of the inhaler (or spacer) into your mouth and, while breathing deeply and slowly through the mouth, activate the medication canister. Hold your breath for 3 to 5 seconds and then breathe out.Wait at least 5 minutes between doses (puffs). Avoid spraying the aerosol into the eyes. Thoroughly wash eyes immediately should this occur. Contact your doctor if you experience blurring vision, eye pain or discomfort, visual halos, or colored images. Use aerosol canister with the included actuator only. Do not use actuator with other aerosol medications. Discard canister after labeled number of actuations have been used. Each canister contains 200 actuations. Aerosol contents are under pressure. Do not puncture canister. Do not use or store near heat or open flame. Exposure to temperatures higher than 120F may cause bursting. Do not throw canister into a fire or incinerator. Store at room temperature (59 to 86F). Avoid excessive humidity.
Inhalation solution - The recommended dose is one 3 mL vial administered 4 times per day via rebulization with up to 2 additional 3 mL doses allowed per day, if needed. Safety and efficacy of additional doses or increased frequency of administration beyond these guidelines has not been studied. Squeeze 1 vial of medication into nebulizer chamber. Sit in a comfort able, upright position. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth or put on the face mask. Turn on the compressor. Breathe in as calmly, deeply, and evenly as possible through your mouth until no more mist is formed in the nebulizer chamber (about 5 to 15 minutes). Clean the nebulizer with hot water. Allow to air dry. Store between 36 and 77 F. Vials should be protected from light before use. Keep unused vials in box or foil pouch. Do not use after expiration date.
