What is Combivent Respimat? Uses, warnings & side effects

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Read and follow the Instructions for Use that come with the inhaler.

Doses are taken four times daily. Do not take more than six doses in 24 hours.

Inserting the cartridge:

• Do not remove the cap from the mouthpiece.

• Press the safety catch and pull off the inhaler’s clear base.

• Write the discard date on the label (three months after the cartridge is inserted).

• Insert the narrow end of the cartridge into the inhaler.

• With the inhaler on a firm surface, press down on the top until it clicks. 

• The cartridge is now in place.

• Put the clear base back on the inhaler. Turn it in the direction of the arrows until it clicks.

Priming the inhaler:

• Follow the step-by-step directions in the Instructions for Use.

• If the inhaler isn’t used for three days, prime it again by spraying just once towards the ground.

• If the inhaler isn’t used for 21 days or more, prime the inhaler again following the original procedure.

Taking a dose:

• To take a dose, turn the clear base half a turn in the direction of the arrows until it clicks. The inhaler is now ready to deliver one inhalation.

• Open the cap.

• Breathe out slowly and fully.

• Completely close your lips around the mouthpiece but don’t cover the air vents.

• Take a slow, deep breath and press the dose release button while inhaling. 

• Hold your breath for 10 seconds. Breathe out.

• Replace the cap.

Refilling the prescription:

• The dose indicator shows the number of puffs in the inhaler. One puff equals one dose.

• When the dose indicator is in the red zone, refill your prescription.

• When the dose indicator is at zero, the inhaler will stop working.

Clean the mouthpiece at least once weekly with a damp cloth or tissue.

Store Combivent Respimat at room temperature. Do not freeze the cartridge or inhaler.

Throw away the inhaler three months after its first use or when it runs out of doses, whichever comes first.

Ask the prescriber how to manage a missed dose.

Do not take an extra dose to compensate for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to albuterol, ipratropium, or atropine.

Call the doctor if your COPD medications are not helping with COPD symptoms. 

The prescribing healthcare provider will need to regularly visit with you and may need lab tests. Keep all appointments.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using Combivent Respimat. 

Before starting Combivent Respimat, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

• Heart or heart rhythm problems

• High blood pressure

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems

• Problems urinating because of an enlarged prostate or blockage

• Thyroid problems

• A history of seizures

• Diabetes

• Narrow-angle glaucoma

• Low potassium

• Any other medical condition

Combivent Respimat can cause serious problems including:

• Asthma-like attacks (bronchospasm) that can be life-threatening

• Worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma

• Worsening of urinary retention

• Blood sugar changes (in people with diabetes)

• Serious or life-threatening allergic reactions

Combivent Respimat can cause heart side effects including:

• Chest pain

• Palpitations

• Racing heartbeats

Avoid getting Combivent in the eyes. Call a doctor if this happens.

Combivent Respimat can cause dizziness or vision problems. Be cautious when driving or engaging in any other potentially hazardous activity that requires attention and alertness.

Overdosing on albuterol can be fatal. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Do not use this medicine for a sudden COPD attack. Make sure you always have your rescue medicine with you to treat sudden symptoms.

Because of possible drug interactions, tell the prescriber about all the prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements you take or about to take, particularly:

• Other COPD medications

• Asthma medications

• Beta blockers

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

• Tricyclic antidepressants

• Anticholinergic drugs

• Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

• The heart medication digoxin

Tell other healthcare providers who treat you about Combivent and other inhaled medications before they start you on a new medication.