COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol is a combination of ipratropium bromide (as the monohydrate) and albuterol sulfate. Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic bronchodilator chemically described as 8-azoniabicyclo[3.2.1] octane, 3-(3-hydroxy-1-oxo-2-phenylpropoxy)-8-methyl8-(1-methylethyl)-, bromide monohydrate, (3-endo, 8-syn)-: a synthetic quaternary ammonium compound chemically related to atropine. Ipratropium bromide is a white to off-white crystalline substance, freely soluble in water and methanol, sparingly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in lipophilic solvents such as ether, chloroform, and fluorocarbons. The structural formula is:
C20H30BrNO3•H2O      ipratropium bromide      Mol. Wt. 430.4 Albuterol sulfate, chemically known as (1,3-benzenedimethanol, α'-[[(1,1dimethylethyl) amino] methyl]-4-hydroxy, sulfate (2:1)(salt), (±)- is a relatively selective beta2-adrenergic bronchodilator. Albuterol is the official generic name in the United States. The World Health Organization recommended name for the drug is salbutamol. Albuterol sulfate is a white to off-white crystalline powder, freely soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol, chloroform, and ether. The structural formula is:
(C13H21NO3)2•H2SO4      albuterol sulfate      Mol. Wt. 576.7 Combivent® (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol contains a microcrystalline suspension of ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate in a pressurized metered-dose aerosol unit for oral inhalation administration. The 200 inhalation unit has a net weight of 14.7 grams. Each actuation meters 21 mcg of ipratropium bromide and 120 mcg of albuterol sulfate from the valve and delivers 18 mcg of ipratropium bromide and 103 mcg of albuterol sulfate (equivalent to 90 mcg albuterol base) from the mouthpiece. The excipients are dichlorodifluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, and trichloromonofluoromethane as propellants and soya lecithin.

Source: http://www.rxlist.com

Adverse reaction information concerning Combivent® (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol is derived from two 12-week controlled clinical trials (N=358 for COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol) as seen in Table 1. Table 1 : All Adverse Events (in percentages), from Two Large Double-blind, Parallel, 12-Week Studies of Patients with COPD*
  COMBIVENT Ipratropium Bromide 36 mcg/Albuterol Sulfate 206 mcg QID
N = 358 Ipratropium Bromide 36 mcg QID
N = 362 Albuterol Sulfate 206 mcg QID
N = 347 Body as a Whole-General Disorders Headache 5.6 3.9 6.6 Pain 2.5 1.9 1.2 Influenza 1.4 2.2 2.9 Chest Pain 0.3 1.4 2.9 Gastrointestinal System Disorders Nausea 2.0 2.5 2.6 Respiratory System Disorders (Lower) Bronchitis 12.3 12.4 17.9 Dyspnea 4.5 3.9 4 Coughing 4.2 2.8 2.6 Respiratory Disorders 2.5 1.7 2.3 Pneumonia 1.4 2.5 0.6 Bronchospasm 0.3 3.9 1.7 Respiratory System Disorders (Upper) Upper Respiratory Tract Infection 10.9 12.7 13 Pharyngitis 2.2 3.3 2.3 Sinusitis 2.3 1.9 0.9 Rhinitis 1.1 2.5 2.3 *All adverse events, regardless of drug relationship, reported by two percent or more patients in one or more treatment group in the 12-week controlled clinical trials. Additional adverse reactions, reported in less than two percent of the patients in the COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol treatment group include edema, fatigue, hypertension, dizziness, nervousness, paresthesia, tremor, dysphonia, insomnia, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, vomiting, arrhythmia, palpitation, tachycardia, arthralgia, angina, increased sputum, taste perversion, and urinary tract infection/dysuria. Allergic-type reactions such as skin reactions including rash, pruritus, and urticaria (including giant urticaria), angioedema including that of tongue, lips and face, laryngospasm and anaphylactic reaction have been reported with Combivent® (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol, with positive rechallenge in some cases. Many of these patients had a history of allergies to other drugs and/or foods including soybean (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). Post-Marketing Experience In a 5-year placebo-controlled trial, hospitalizations for supraventricular tachycardia and/or atrial fibrillation occurred with an incidence rate of 0.5% in COPD patients receiving Atrovent® (ipratropium bromide) Inhalation Aerosol CFC. Additional side effects identified from the published literature and/or post-marketing surveillance on the use of ipratropium bromide-containing products (singly or in combination with albuterol), include: hypersensitivity, pharyngeal edema, mouth edema, urinary retention, mydriasis, bronchospasm (including paradoxical bronchospasm), cases of precipitation or worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma, glaucoma, intraocular pressure increased, acute eye pain, halo vision, blurred vision, accommodation disorder, ocular irritation, corneal edema, conjunctival hyperaemia, nasal congestion, drying of secretions, mucosal ulcers, stomatitis, irritation from aerosol, throat irritation, dry throat, wheezing, exacerbation of COPD symptoms, hoarseness, palpitations, heartburn, drowsiness, CNS stimulation, coordination difficulty, flushing, alopecia, hypotension, edema, gastrointestinal distress (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting), gastrointestinal motility disorder, constipation, hypokalemia, mental disorder, hyperhidrosis, muscle spasms, muscular weakness, myalgia, asthenia, myocardial ischemia, diastolic blood pressure decreased, and systolic blood pressure increased. Metabolic acidosis has been reported with use of albuterol-containing products. Read the Combivent (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effectsLearn More »

Source: http://www.rxlist.com

The dose of COMBIVENT® Inhalation Aerosol is two inhalations four times a day. Patients may take additional inhalations as required; however, the total number of inhalations should not exceed 12 in 24 hours. Safety and efficacy of additional doses of COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol beyond 12 puffs/24 hours have not been studied. Also, safety and efficacy of extra doses of ipratropium or albuterol in addition to the recommended doses of Combivent® (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol have not been studied. It is recommended to “test-spray” three times before using for the first time and in cases where the aerosol has not been used for more than 24 hours. Avoid spraying into eyes.

Source: http://www.rxlist.com

COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol has been used concomitantly with other drugs, including sympathomimetic bronchodilators, methylxanthines, and oral and inhaled steroids, commonly used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. With the exception of albuterol, there are no formal studies fully evaluating the interaction effects of COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol and these drugs with respect to safety and effectiveness. Anticholinergic agents There is potential for an additive interaction with concomitantly used anticholinergic medications. Therefore, avoid co-administration of COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol with other anticholinergic-containing drugs. Beta-adrenergic agents Caution is advised in the co-administration of COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol and other sympathomimetic agents due to the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular effects. Beta-receptor blocking agents and albuterol inhibit the effect of each other. Beta-receptor blocking agents should be used with caution in patients with hyperreactive airways. Diuretics The ECG changes and/or hypokalemia which may result from the administration of non-potassium sparing diuretics (such as loop or thiazide diuretics) can be acutely worsened by beta-agonists, especially when the recommended dose of the beta-agonist is exceeded. Although the clinical significance of these effects is not known, caution is advised in the co-administration of beta-agonist-containing drugs, such as COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol, with non-potassium sparing diuretics. Consider monitoring potassium levels. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol should be administered with extreme caution to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants or within two weeks of discontinuation of such agents because the action of albuterol on the cardiovascular system may be potentiated. Consider alternative therapy in patients taking MAOs or tricyclic antidepressants. Read the Combivent Drug Interactions Center for a complete guide to possible interactions Learn More »

Source: http://www.rxlist.com

COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to soya lecithin or related food products such as soybean and peanut. COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol is also contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to any other components of the drug product or to atropine or its derivatives. Last reviewed on RxList: 9/27/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Source: http://www.rxlist.com

COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to soya lecithin or related food products such as soybean and peanut. COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol is also contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to any other components of the drug product or to atropine or its derivatives. Last reviewed on RxList: 9/27/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Source: http://www.rxlist.com

The effects of overdosage are expected to be related primarily to albuterol sulfate. Acute overdosage with ipratropium bromide by inhalation is unlikely since ipratropium bromide is not well absorbed systemically after aerosol or oral administration. Oral median lethal doses of ipratropium bromide were greater than 1001 mg/kg in mice (approximately 19,000 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis); 1663 mg/kg in rats (approximately 62,000 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis); and 400 mg/kg in dogs (approximately 50,000 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults, on a mg/m² basis). Whereas the oral median lethal dose of albuterol sulfate in mice and rats was greater than 2000 mg/kg (approximately 6600 and 13,000 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose, respectively, in adults on a mg/m² basis), the inhalational median lethal dose could not be determined. Manifestations of overdosage with albuterol may include anginal pain, hypertension, hypokalemia, tachycardia with rates up to 200 beats per minute, metabolic acidosis, and exaggeration of the pharmacologic effects listed in ADVERSE REACTIONS. As with all sympathomimetic aerosol medications, cardiac arrest and even death may be associated with abuse. Dialysis is not appropriate treatment for overdosage of albuterol as an inhalation aerosol; the judicious use of a cardiovascular beta-receptor blocker, such as metoprolol tartrate may be indicated.

Source: http://www.rxlist.com

COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol is supplied as a metered-dose inhaler with a white mouthpiece that has a clear, colorless sleeve and an orange protective cap. The COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol canister is to be used only with the COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol mouthpiece and not with other mouthpieces. This mouthpiece should not be used with other aerosol medications. Each actuation meters 21 mcg of ipratropium bromide and 120 mcg of albuterol sulfate from the valve and delivers 18 mcg of ipratropium bromide and 103 mcg of albuterol sulfate (equivalent to 90 mcg albuterol base) from the mouthpiece. Each 14.7 gram canister provides sufficient medication for 200 actuations (NDC 0597-001314). Warning: The canister should be discarded after the labeled number of actuations has been used. The correct amount of medication in each actuation cannot be assured after this point, even though the canister is not completely empty. Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. For best results, store the canister at room temperature before use. Avoid excessive humidity. Shake the canister vigorously for at least 10 seconds before use. Address medical inquiries to: http://us.boehringer-ingelheim.com, (800) 542-6257 or (800) 459-9906 TTY. Note: The indented statement below is required by the Federal government's Clean Air Act for all products containing or manufactured with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Warning: Contains trichloromonofluoromethane (CFC-11), dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12) and dichlorotetrafluoroethane (CFC-114), substances which harm public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere. A notice similar to the above Warning has been placed in the information for the patient of this product under the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) regulations. The patient's warning states that the patient should consult his or her physician if there are any questions about alternatives. Contents Under Pressure: Do not puncture. Do not use or store near heat or open flame. Exposure to temperatures above 120°F may cause bursting. Never throw the inhaler into a fire or incinerator. Distributed by: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Ridgefield, CT 06877 USA. Ipratropium bromide licensed from: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH. Revised: August 2012 Last reviewed on RxList: 9/27/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Source: http://www.rxlist.com

General

1. Effects Seen with Anticholinergic Drugs: COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol contains ipratropium bromide and, therefore, should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hyperplasia, or bladder-neck obstruction.
2. Effects Seen with Sympathomimetic Drugs: Preparations containing sympathomimetic amines such as albuterol sulfate should be used with caution in patients with convulsive disorders, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes mellitus and in patients who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines. Beta-adrenergic agents may also produce significant hypokalemia in some patients (possibly through intracellular shunting) which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular effects. The decrease in serum potassium is usually transient, not requiring supplementation.
3. Use in Hepatic or Renal Disease: COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol has not been studied in patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency. It should be used with caution in those patient populations.

Information for Patients Patients should be cautioned to avoid spraying the aerosol into their eyes and be advised that this may result in precipitation or worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma, mydriasis, increased intraocular pressure, acute eye pain or discomfort, temporary blurring of vision, visual halos or colored images in association with red eyes from conjunctival and corneal congestion. Patients should also be advised that should any combination of these symptoms develop, they should consult their physician immediately. The action of COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol should last 4 to 5 hours or longer. COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol should not be used more frequently than recommended. Do not increase the dose or frequency of COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol without consulting your physician. If you find that treatment with COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol becomes less effective for symptomatic relief, your symptoms become worse, and/or you need to use the product more frequently than usual, medical attention should be sought immediately. While you are taking COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol, other inhaled drugs should be taken only as directed by your physician. If you are pregnant or nursing, contact your physician about use of COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol. Appropriate use of Combivent® (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol includes an understanding of the way it should be administered (see Patient's Instructions for Use). Since dizziness, accommodation disorder, mydriasis, and blurred vision may occur with use of COMBIVENT, patients should be cautioned about engaging in activities requiring balance and visual acuity such as driving a car or operating appliances or machinery. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Ipratropium bromide Two-year oral carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice have revealed no carcinogenic activity at doses up to 6 mg/kg. This dose corresponds in rats and mice to approximately 230 and 110 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose of ipratropium bromide in adults, respectively, on a mg/m² basis. Results of various mutagenicity studies (Ames test, mouse dominant lethal test, mouse micronucleus test and chromosome aberration of bone marrow in Chinese hamsters) were negative. Fertility of male or female rats at oral doses up to 50 mg/kg (approximately 1900 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis) was unaffected by ipratropium bromide administration. At an oral dose of 500 mg/kg (approximately 19,000 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis), ipratropium bromide produced a decrease in the conception rate. Albuterol Like other agents in its class, albuterol caused a significant dose-related increase in the incidence of benign leiomyomas of the mesovarium in a 2-year study in the rat at dietary doses of 2, 10, and 50 mg/kg (approximately 15, 65, and 330 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis). In another study this effect was blocked by the co-administration of propranolol. The relevance of these findings to humans is not known. An 18-month study in mice at dietary doses up to 500 mg/kg (approximately 1600 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis) and a 99-week study in hamsters at oral doses up to 50 mg/kg (approximately 220 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis) revealed no evidence of tumorigenicity. Studies with albuterol revealed no evidence of mutagenesis. Reproduction studies in rats with albuterol sulfate revealed no evidence of impaired fertility. Pregnancy COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Combivent® (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol, ipratropium bromide or albuterol sulfate, in pregnant women. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol. However, albuterol sulfate has been shown to be teratogenic in mice and rabbits. COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Ipratropium bromide Teratogenic Effects Oral reproduction studies were performed at doses of 10 mg/kg in mice, 1000 mg/kg in rats, and 125 mg/kg in rabbits. These doses correspond in each species, respectively, to approximately 190, 38,000, and 9400 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis. Inhalation reproduction studies were conducted in rats and rabbits at doses of 1.5 and 1.8 mg/kg (approximately 55 and 140 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis). These studies demonstrated no evidence of teratogenic effects as a result of ipratropium bromide. At oral doses 90 mg/kg and above in rats (approximately 3,400 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis) embryotoxicity was observed as increased resorption. This effect is not considered relevant to human use due to the large doses at which it was observed and the difference in route of administration. Albuterol Teratogenic Effects Albuterol has been shown to be teratogenic in mice and rabbits. A reproduction study in CD-1 mice given albuterol subcutaneously (0.025, 0.25, and 2.5 mg/kg) showed cleft palate formation in 5 of 111 (4.5%) fetuses at 0.25 mg/kg (equivalent to the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis) and in 10 of 108 (9.3%) fetuses at 2.5 mg/kg (approximately 8 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis). None was observed at 0.025 mg/kg (less than the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults). Cleft palate also occurred in 22 of 72 (30.5%) fetuses treated with 2.5 mg/kg isoproterenol (positive control). A reproduction study with oral albuterol in Stride Dutch rabbits revealed cranioschisis in 7 of 19 (37%) fetuses at 50 mg/kg (approximately 660 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis). Labor and Delivery Because of the potential for beta-agonist interference with uterine contractility, use of Combivent® (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol for the treatment of COPD during labor should be restricted to those patients in whom the benefits clearly outweigh the risk. Nursing Mothers It is not known whether the components of COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol are excreted in human milk. Ipratropium bromide Because lipid-insoluble quaternary cations pass into breast milk, caution should be exercised when COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol is administered to a nursing mother. Albuterol Because of the potential for tumorigenicity shown for albuterol in animal studies, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established. Last reviewed on RxList: 9/27/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Source: http://www.rxlist.com