What it's for (Indications)
- This medication is indicated for the prevention and treatment of bronchospasm associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
- It is also used for the treatment of mild to moderate asthma and for controlling recurring bouts of bronchospasm.
Dosage Information
| Type | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Standard | The recommended dosage is one 3 mL vial administered 4 times per day via nebulization. Up to 2 additional 3 mL doses per day may be administered if needed. The safety and efficacy of administering doses beyond these guidelines, or of extra doses of individual components in addition to the combination, have not been established. Therapy may be continued as medically indicated to manage recurring bronchospasm. If a previously effective regimen fails to provide usual relief, medical advice should be sought immediately, as this may indicate worsening underlying disease requiring urgent medical evaluation. |
Safety & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- Commonly reported side effects include headache, dizziness, throat irritation, cough, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, and voice alterations.
- More serious or less frequent adverse reactions can include urinary retention, paradoxical bronchospasm, wheezing, tachycardia, arrhythmias, palpitations, elevated heart rate, acute eye pain, blurred vision, mydriasis, precipitation or worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma, exacerbation of COPD symptoms, drowsiness, aching, flushing, upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, back pain, sore throat, taste perversion, metabolic acidosis, and possible allergic-type reactions (e.
- g.
- , skin rash, pruritus, urticaria).
Serious Warnings
- Caution is advised in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disorders, including coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension, due to potential for cardiovascular effects like tachycardia, palpitations, and arrhythmias.
- Use with extreme caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, or bladder outlet obstruction, as this medication may precipitate or worsen these conditions; direct contact with the eyes should be avoided to prevent ocular irritation, acute eye pain, blurred vision, or mydriasis.
- Paradoxical bronchospasm can occur; if this happens, discontinue use immediately and institute alternative therapy.
- If a previously effective regimen fails to provide the usual relief, medical advice should be sought immediately, as this is often a sign of worsening COPD, which requires reassessment of therapy.
- The effects of this medication are underdetermined in pregnancy and lactation; consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for pregnant or lactating females.
How it Works (Mechanism of Action)
The albuterol sulfate (salbutamol) component acts as a β2-adrenergic agonist, stimulating adenyl cyclase to increase cyclic-3’,5’-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which leads to relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle. Albuterol has a preferential effect on β2-adrenergic receptors. Ipratropium bromide, an anticholinergic, complements this action by blocking muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the airways, leading to further bronchodilation.
Commercial Brands (Alternatives)
No other brands found for this formula.