Ipratropium bromide & albuterol

Ipratropium bromide & albuterol is part of the drug class:

• Inhaled adrenergic and other drugs for obstructive airway diseases

Serious side effects have been reported with ipratropium/albuterol. See the “Ipratropium/albuterol Precautions” section.

Common side effects of ipratropium/albuterol include the following:

• headache
• respiratory tract infection
• cough
• shortness of breath

This is not a complete list of ipratropium/albuterol side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Serious side effects have been reported with ipratropium/albuterol including the following:

• Brochospasm. Ipratropium/albuterol can cause life-threatening bronchospasm, which is a sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the airways leading to the lungs. Bronchospasm is more likely to occur with the first use of a new canister.
• Cardiovascular effects. Ipratropium/albuterol can cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate and symptoms including chest pain or past or pounding heartbeat. This medication should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders.
• Hypersensitivity reactions. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction to ipratropium/albuterol:
  • itching
  • hives
  • rash
  • swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing or breathing

Ipratropium/albuterol can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how ipratropium/albuterol affects you.

Do not take ipratropium/albuterol if you:

• are allergic to ipratropium/albuterol or to any of its ingredients
• are allergic to peanuts or soybeans
• are allergic to atropine or related medications

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X - are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Ipratropium/albuterol falls into category C. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication and had some babies born with problems. No well-controlled studies have been done in humans. Therefore, this medication may be used if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The dose your doctor recommends may be based on the following:

• the condition being treated
• how you respond to this medication

The recommended dose of ipratropium/albuterol solution is 1 vial via nebulizer 3 to 4 times daily. Up to 2 additional doses may be taken each day as needed.

If you take too much ipratropium/albuterol, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center, or seek emergency medical attention right away.

If ipratropium/albuterol is administered by a healthcare provider in a medical setting, it is unlikely that an overdose will occur. However, if overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention.