Some warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking Combivent include the following:
Combivent is an anticholinergic medication. As with all anticholinergic medications, Combivent can worsen glaucoma, bladder problems, and prostate problems. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking the drug if you have any of these problems.
In rare cases, Combivent can worsen bronchospasms (spasms of the airways), which is exactly the opposite of what should happen. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if the medication makes your breathing problems worse.
Combivent can have a stimulatory effect on the heart and blood pressure, resulting in a fast heart rate (tachycardia), high blood pressure (hypertension), or an irregular heart rhythm. However, the medication can also cause low blood pressure (hypotension). If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, make sure your healthcare provider is aware of it. He or she may wish to use particular caution if he or she recommends Combivent in your case.
People with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, or epilepsy should use caution when taking Combivent, as albuterol (one of the components of the drug) may worsen these conditions or increase the risk of side effects.
Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you have any vision or eye changes while taking the medication.
Combivent is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that it may not be safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not known. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using the drug while pregnant (see Combivent and Pregnancy).
It is not known if Combivent passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider before using the drug (see Combivent and Breastfeeding).
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print