Combivent

Combivent is used to treat the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It comes in a metered-dose inhaler and is generally used four times a day. Side effects can include bronchitis, headaches, and upper respiratory tract infections. A few of the conditions that you should let your healthcare provider know about before you use the drug include glaucoma, high blood pressure, and seizures.

What Is Combivent?

Combivent® (ipratropium and albuterol inhaler) is a prescription medication used to prevent airway spasms (also known as bronchospasms) caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Combivent contains a combination of two medications: ipratropium bromide (Atrovent®) and albuterol sulfate (Proair®, Proventil®, Ventolin®). It is approved for treating COPD in people who still have breathing problems after trying one of these medications.
 
Combivent inhalers (in their current form) will not be made, dispensed, or sold in the United States after December 31, 2013. Combivent contains chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chemicals that deplete the ozone layer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set this final date for this medication in order to comply with the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. The manufacturer of Combivent is working on a reformulated, CFC-free version and hopes it will be available to consumers in time for the 2013 phase-out of the old formulation.
 
(Click Combivent Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Combivent is made by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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