Combivent Respimat (ipratropium bromide and albuterol)

Combivent Respimat (ipratropium bromide and albuterol) is a combination of 2 fast-acting drugs used to provide quick, short-term relief from COPD symptoms. It is approved for people who use a regular aerosol bronchodilator but are still experiencing exacerbations or bronchospasms. This is when muscles in the lungs tighten, causing restricted airflow.¹

Combivent Respimat is an oral inhaler that can be taken 4 to 6 times a day.

What are the ingredients in Combivent Respimat?

The active ingredients in Combivent Respimat are ipratropium bromide and albuterol.¹

How does Combivent Respimat work?

The active ingredients in Combivent Respimat work together to provide short-term relief from COPD symptoms.

Ipratropium bromide belongs to a class of drugs called anticholinergics. It blocks acetylcholine receptors in the body, which bind neurotransmitters. These receptors pass signals that tell the body how its muscles should react. When acetylcholine receptors are blocked, smooth muscles like those in the airways can relax. This can reduce the number of bronchospasms and open the airways.¹

Albuterol is a short-acting beta₂-adrenergic agonist (SABA). This means it quickly activates beta₂-adrenergic receptors in the body. This sets off a chain of events in the body that also relaxes smooth muscles in the airways.¹

What are the possible side effects of Combivent Respimat?

The most common side effects of Combivent Respimat include:¹

• Cough
• Headache
• Bronchitis
• Upper respiratory infection
• Cold or cold-like symptoms (nasopharyngitis)
• Trouble breathing

Combivent Respimat may also cause serious side effects, including:¹

• Allergic reactions like rash, hives, or breathing problems
• Difficult or painful urination
• Eye problems like blurred vision or halos

If your breathing problems quickly worsen after taking Combivent Respimat, contact 9-1-1 right away.1

These are not all the possible side effects of Combivent Respimat. Talk to your doctor about what to expect or if you experience any changes that concern you during treatment with Combivent Respimat.

Things to know about Combivent Respimat

Before using Combivent Respimat, tell your doctor if you have:¹

• Thyroid problems
• Heart problems
• Diabetes
• Eye problems, including narrow-angle glaucoma
• Seizures

There is not enough data to know if Combivent Respimat is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.¹

Combivent Respimat may interact with other drugs. Before beginning treatment for COPD, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Combivent Respimat.