|
Medical Advice >> Pediatric Advisor
Related Topics
Bronchodilator: Short-Acting Anticholinergic
What are other names for this medication?
Other names for this medicine include ipratropium bromide or
Atrovent. Combivent is a metered-dose inhaler that contains
both ipratropium bromide and albuterol.
See also Bronchodilators: Short-acting Beta2-Agonist
What does this drug do?
This drug is a quick-relief medicine that relaxes the
muscles of the airways and decreases the amount of mucus
that is produced. It can also prevent the tightening of the
muscles around the airways (bronchospasm) caused by asthma
triggers such as pollens, exercise, cold air, and air
pollutants.
This medicine is sometimes used to treat an acute asthma
attack.
How is it taken?
This medication can be inhaled as a mist from a nebulizer or
from a metered-dose inhaler (MDI).
What is the usual dose?
Nebulizer: The most common nebulizer dose is 0.5 mg of
ipratropium bromide mixed in 2.5 ml of saline every 6 to 8
hours.
MDI: The most common dose for an MDI is 2 puffs. Wait at
least 6 hours before taking another dose unless your doctor
has told you to take it more often. It is best to use a
spacer with the MDI so more medicine gets to the lungs.
Your prescribed dose of inhaled _____________________ is
_______ ml mixed with ______________ and given by nebulizer
____ times a day.
OR
______ puffs of _______________ inhaled from an MDI ____
times a day.
What side effects can this drug cause?
The most common side effect is a dry mouth. Your child may
have blurred vision if he accidentally sprays this medicine
in his eyes.
What special instructions should be followed?
Do not increase the number of treatments to greater than
________ within a 24-hour period without checking with your
doctor. If it seems like your child needs more treatments
because the asthma symptoms are not helped by the medicine,
call your doctor.
| 
