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Home Educational Resources Inhalers Combivent® Respimat®
Combivent® Respimat®

Combivent® Respimat®

Generic Name: Ipratropium and Albuterol

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Combivent® Respimat®

Instructions for use

Prepare inhaler for first use

  1. Wash and dry your hands well.
  2. Hold the inhaler with the orange cap closed.
  3. Press the safety catch on the side of the inhaler and pull off the clear base. (Do not touch the sharp piercing tool in the inside of the base.)
  4. Write the discard date on the label – three months from today.
  5. Take the silver cartridge out of the box.
  6. Insert the narrow end of the cartridge into the inhaler and push the cartridge against a firm surface to ensure proper insertion. A little bit of the cartridge (1/8 inch) will stick out of the bottom of the inhaler.
  7. Put the clear base back on the inhaler.
  8. Do not take the inhaler apart again after completing these steps.

Prime the inhaler before first use by following steps 9 to12.

  1. Hold the inhaler with the orange cap closed and pointed up.
  2. Turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows on the label until you hear a click (half turn).
  3. Open the orange cap and point the inhaler down. Push the dose release button, then close the cap.
  4. Repeat steps 9 to11 until you see a white spray coming from the inhaler.
  5. After you see the white spray, repeat steps 9-11 three more times. The inhaler is now ready for use.

Use the inhaler*

  1. Wash and dry your hands well.
  2. Sit up straight or stand up.
  3. Hold the inhaler with the orange cap closed and pointed up.
  4. Turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows on the label until you hear a click (half turn).
  5. Open the orange cap.
  6. Exhale fully out through mouth. Hold the inhaler so inhaler is pointed at the back of your throat.
  7. Place the mouthpiece between your lips. Make sure that your tongue is flat under the mouthpiece and does not block the opening.
  8. Seal your lips around the mouthpiece.
  9. Push the dose release button as you begin to slowly take in a deep breath through your mouth for as long as you can.
  10. Hold your breath for 10 seconds. If you cannot hold your breath for 10 seconds, then hold your breath for as long as possible.
  11. Close the orange cap after each use. Store in a cool dry place.

*If you have not used the inhaler for three or more days, follow priming steps 9 to11 for one spray. If you have not used your inhaler for more than 21 days, re-prime the inhaler using steps 9 to 13.

Key product details

Medication Class & Use

  • Combination bronchodilator (short-acting beta-2 agonist and anticholinergic). This inhaler combines two medicines that work together to relax the muscles that tighten around the airway and make breathing easier.
  • Use this inhaler every day to prevent symptoms, even when feeling well.
  • Your doctor may tell you to use extra doses for quick relief. Do not use more doses than your doctor prescribes.

Dosing

  • Usual COPD dosing: 1 inhalation four times per day (max: 6 puffs in 24 hours).
  • Each inhaler contains 120 doses.

Priming

  • Priming: See extensive detailed instructions

Refill

  • Inhaler is empty and will not work after 120 doses. Dose indicator is red when inhaler has 30 remaining doses.
  • Inhaler should be discarded three months after assembly or when empty (whichever is first).

Cleaning

  • Quick cleaning information: At least once weekly wipe mouthpiece with a damp cloth or tissue, including metal part inside the mouthpiece. DO NOT take apart inhaler.

Other

  • Avoid spraying into eyes, which can cause eye problems and worsen narrow angle glaucoma.

References

  1. Galvin WF, Dunn PJ, Kallstrom TJ. A Patient’s Guide to Aerosol Drug Delivery. American Association for Respiratory Care; 2010.
  2. Product Information: COMBIVENT(R) RESPIMAT(R) respiratory spray, ipratropium bromide albuterol respiratory spray. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Ridgefield, CT, 2016.

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The information provided is educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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