Combivent® | Combivent Inhaler (Ipratropium bromide/Salbutamol sulphate) - 100mcg (200 Doses)
| Main Use |
Active Integredient |
Marketed Name |
| Chronic obstructive airways disease |
Ipratropium bromide, salbutamol sulphate. |
Combivent® |
How does Combivent Inhaler (Ipratropium bromide/Salbutamol sulphate) work?
This medicine contains two active ingredients, ipratropium bromide and salbutamol sulphate.
Salbutamol belongs to a group of medicines called short-acting beta 2 agonists. It works by acting on receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. Stimulation of these receptors causes the muscles in the airways to relax, allowing the airways to open.
Ipratropium bromide is a type of medicine known as an antimuscarinic bronchodilator. It works by blocking different types of receptors, called muscarinic receptors, that are found on the muscle surrounding the airways in the lungs. Stimulation of these receptors by a natural chemical called acetylcholine normally causes the muscle in the airways to contract, and this makes the airways narrow. Depending on how much the receptors are stimulated, this can cause difficulties breathing, as is seen in asthma and bronchitis. As ipratropium blocks the receptors, it stops the action of acetylcholine and allows the airways to open, making it easier to breathe.
This combination of medicines has an additive effect in opening the airways. This makes it easier to breathe in conditions where the airways tighten, such as chronic bronchitis, where it is difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs.
This medicine is inhaled into the lungs using an inhaler or nebuliser device, which allows the medicine to act directly in the lungs where it is needed most. Inhaling the medicine also reduces the potential for side effects occuring in other parts of the body, as the amount absorbed into the blood through the lungs is lower than if it is taken by mouth.
What is Combivent Inhaler (Ipratropium bromide/Salbutamol sulphate) used for?
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Combivent Inhaler (Ipratropium bromide/Salbutamol sulphate) Side Effects
- Headache
- Difficulty in passing urine
- Dry mouth
- Shaking, usually of the hands
- Muscle cramps
- sweating
- Unexpected narrowing of the airways
- Low blood potassium level
- Awareness of your heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cough
- Nervousness
- Increased heart rate
- Hypersensitivity reactions such as swelling of the lips, throat and tongue (angioedema), itchy blistering rash or anaphylactic shock
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