Prescribing Info
Salbutamol and ipratropium belong to the family of medications known as bronchodilators. Together, they are used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a chronic lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. These medications work in different ways to open the airways and make breathing easier.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Direction:
The inhalation solution is designed for use with a nebulizer, a machine that delivers medications to the lungs by pumping the medication through a mask or mouthpiece. The usual dose is one vial 3 or 4 times a day. Each vial should be used only once and then discarded.
Do not use the inhalation solution if it is discoloured. Do not allow the medication to enter your eyes. If contact occurs, flush your eyes with plenty of water.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication on a regular schedule as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, and no respiratory symptoms occur, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you miss a dose and respiratory symptoms occur, then take the missing dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Side effects:
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- change in taste sensation or a bad taste in the mouth
- common cold (runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat)
- constipation
- coughing
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- headache
- nausea
- nervousness
- sweating
- throat irritation
- tremor
- voice changes
- vomiting
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- sudden blurred vision or eye pain
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- increased shortness of breath or wheezing
- signs of heart attack (e.g., sudden chest pain or pain radiating to back, down arm, jaw; sensation of fullness of the chest; nausea; vomiting; sweating; anxiety)
- chest pain
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
- skin rash or hives
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
