combivent respimat
Pharmaranks rates Combivent Respimat 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Combivent Respimat is a combination medicine containing Albuterol Sulfate and Ipratropium Bromide.
Albuterol Sulfate and Ipratropium Bromide · by Boehringer Ingelheim
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Albuterol Sulfate and Ipratropium Bromide
- Form
- Spray/Inhaler, metered
- Strength
- Albuterol Sulfate EQ 0.1MG BASE/INH; Ipratropium Bromide 0.02MG/INH
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- Half-life
- about 5 to 6 hours (how long it stays in your system)
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$11.30 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA021747
What is Combivent Respimat?
From the FDA label:COMBIVENT RESPIMAT is a combination of ipratropium bromide (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-methyl-8-(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: C 20 H 30 BrNO 3 •H 2 O 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 beta 2 -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: (C 13 H 21 NO 3 ) 2 •H 2 SO 4 albuterol sulfate Mol. Wt. 576.7 The drug product, COMBIVENT RESPIMAT, is composed of a sterile, aqueous solution of ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate filled into a…
How to use
The recommended dosage of COMBIVENT RESPIMAT is one inhalation four times a day. Patients may take additional inhalations as required; however, the total number of inhalations should not exceed six in 24 hours. Prior to first use, the COMBIVENT RESPIMAT cartridge is inserted into the COMBIVENT RESPIMAT inhaler and the unit is primed. When using the unit for the first time, patients are to actuate the inhaler toward the ground until an aerosol cloud is visible and then repeat the process three more times. The unit is then considered primed and ready for use. If not used for more than 3 days, patients are to actuate the inhaler once to prepare the inhaler for use. If not used for more than 21 days, patients are to actuate the inhaler until an aerosol cloud is visible and then repeat the process three more times to prepare the inhaler for use [ see Patient Counseling Information ( 17 ) ]. Safety and efficacy of additional doses of COMBIVENT RESPIMAT beyond six inhalations/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 RESPIMAT have not been studied. For oral inhalation only One inhalation four times a day, not to exceed six inhalations in 24 hours (2)
Side effects
Use of albuterol, a beta 2 -adrenergic agonist, may be associated with the following: Paradoxical bronchospasm [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Cardiovascular effects [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis [ see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Hypokalemia [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Albuterol is a component of COMBIVENT RESPIMAT. Use of ipratropium bromide, an anticholinergic, may result in the following: Ocular effects [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Urinary retention [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Ipratropium bromide is a component of COMBIVENT RESPIMAT. Most common (≥2%) adverse reactions for COMBIVENT RESPIMAT (20/100 mcg) are upper respiratory infection, nasopharyngitis, cough, bronchitis, headache, and dyspnea (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-542-6257 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience COMBIVENT RESPIMAT 12-Week Clinical Trials The safety data described in Table 1 below are derived from one 12-week, randomized, multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group trial that compared COMBIVENT RESPIMAT (20/100 mcg), CFC-propelled COMBIVENT Inhalation Aerosol (36/206 mcg), and ipratropium bromide delivered by the RESPIMAT inhaler (20 mcg)…
Warnings
Important safety information
Paradoxical bronchospasm: Discontinue COMBIVENT RESPIMAT immediately and treat with alternative therapy if paradoxical bronchospasm occurs (5.1) Patients with cardiovascular system disorders: Use with caution because of beta-adrenergic stimulation (5.2) Ocular effects: Advise patients to avoid spraying into eyes and to contact a physician if blurred vision, halos, or other visual disturbances occur. Monitor patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. (5.3) Urinary retention: Use with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction (5.4) Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis: Discontinue COMBIVENT RESPIMAT and institute alternative therapy if immediate hypersensitivity reactions such as urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis, or oropharyngeal edema occur (5.6) Coexisting conditions: Use with caution in patients with convulsive disorders, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes mellitus (5.7) 5.1 Paradoxical Bronchospasm COMBIVENT RESPIMAT can produce paradoxical bronchospasm that can be life-threatening. If it occurs, therapy with COMBIVENT RESPIMAT should be discontinued immediately and alternative therapy instituted. 5.2 Cardiovascular Effects The albuterol sulfate contained in COMBIVENT RESPIMAT, like other beta‑adrenergic agonists, can produce a clinically significant cardiovascular effect in some patients, as measured by pulse rate, blood pressure, and/or symptoms. If these symptoms occur, COMBIVENT RESPIMAT may need to be discontinued. There is some evidence from postmarketing data and published literature of rare occurrences of myocardial ischemia associated with albuterol. In addition, beta‑adrenergic agonists have been reported to produce electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, such as flattening of the T wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST segment depression. Therefore, COMBIVENT RESPIMAT should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension [ see Drug Interactions (7.2) ]. 5.3 Ocular Effects Ipratropium bromide, a component of COMBIVENT RESPIMAT, is an anticholinergic and may increase intraocular pressure. This may result in precipitation or worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma. Therefore, COMBIVENT RESPIMAT should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma [ see Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. Patients should avoid spraying COMBIVENT RESPIMAT into the eyes. If a patient sprays COMBIVENT RESPIMAT into their eyes they may cause acute eye pain or discomfort, temporary blurring of vision, mydriasis, visual halos, or colored images in association with red eyes from conjunctival or corneal congestion. Advise patients to consult their physician immediately if any of these symptoms develop while using COMBIVENT RESPIMAT. 5.4 Urinary Retention Ipratropium bromide, a component of COMBIVENT RESPIMAT, is an anticholinergic and may cause urinary retention. Therefore, caution is advised when administering this medication to patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction [ see Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. 5.5 Do Not Exceed Recommended Dosage Fatalities have been reported in association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs in patients with asthma. The exact cause of death is unknown, but cardiac arrest following an unexpected development of a severe acute asthmatic crisis and subsequent hypoxia is suspected [ see Drug Interactions (7.2) ]. 5.6 Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis Hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis, and oropharyngeal edema may occur after administration of ipratropium bromide or albuterol sulfate. In clinical trials and postmarketing experience with ipratropium containing products, hypersensitivity reactions such as skin rash, pruritus, angioedema of tongue, lips and face, urticaria (including giant urticaria), laryngospasm, and anaphylactic reactions have been reported [ see Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.2) ]. If such a reaction occurs, therapy with COMBIVENT RESPIMAT should be stopped at once and alternative treatment should be considered [ see Contraindications (4) ]. 5.7 Coexisting Conditions COMBIVENT RESPIMAT contains albuterol sulfate, a beta 2 -adrenergic sympathomimetic amine and, therefore, should be used with caution in patients with convulsive disorders, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes mellitus, and in patients who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines. 5.8 Hypokalemia Beta 2 ‑adrenergic agonists may 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 [ see Drug Interactions (7.2) ].
Who should not take Combivent Respimat
COMBIVENT RESPIMAT is contraindicated in the following conditions [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]: Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in COMBIVENT RESPIMAT Hypersensitivity to atropine or any of its derivatives Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in COMBIVENT RESPIMAT (4) Hypersensitivity to atropine or any of its derivatives (4)
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
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 inhalation or oral administration. 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 the Adverse Reactions section [ see Adverse Reactions (6) ]. As with all beta 2 -adrenergic agonist aerosol medications, cardiac arrest and even death may be associated with abuse. Treatment of overdosage consists of discontinuation of COMBIVENT RESPIMAT together with institution of appropriate medical and supportive therapy. 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.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
COMBIVENT RESPIMAT has been used concomitantly with other drugs, including beta-adrenergic bronchodilators, methylxanthines, and oral and inhaled steroids, commonly used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There are no formal studies fully evaluating the interaction effects of COMBIVENT RESPIMAT and these drugs with respect to safety and effectiveness. Anticholinergics: May interact additively with concomitantly used anticholinergic medications. Avoid administration of COMBIVENT RESPIMAT with other anticholinergic-containing drugs (7.1) Beta-adrenergic agonists: May increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular effects. Avoid coadministration of COMBIVENT RESPIMAT and other sympathomimetic agents (7.2) Beta-blockers: Inhibit the effect of albuterol. Consider alternative therapy in patients with hyperreactive airways (7.3) Diuretics: Electrocardiographic changes and/or hypokalemia associated with diuretics may worsen with concomitant use of beta-agonists. Consider monitoring potassium levels. (7.4) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs) or tricyclic antidepressants: May potentiate effect of albuterol on the vascular system. Consider alternative therapy in patients taking MAOs or tricyclic antidepressants. (7.5) 7.1 Anticholinergic Agents There is the potential for an additive interaction with concomitantly used anticholinergic medications. Therefore, avoid coadministration of COMBIVENT RESPIMAT with other anticholinergic-containing drugs as this may lead to an increase in anticholinergic adverse effects [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 , 5.4) ]. 7.2 Beta‑adrenergic Agonists Caution is advised in the coadministration of COMBIVENT RESPIMAT and other sympathomimetic agents due to the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular effects [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.5) ]. 7.3 Beta-receptor Blocking Agents 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. 7.4 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 2 -agonists, especially when the recommended dosage of the beta 2 -agonist is exceeded. Although the clinical significance of these effects is not known, caution is advised in the coadministration of beta-agonist‑containing drugs, such as COMBIVENT RESPIMAT, with non‑potassium sparing diuretics. Consider monitoring potassium levels. 7.5 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors or Tricyclic Antidepressants COMBIVENT RESPIMAT should be administered with extreme caution to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants or within 2 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 [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].
How long does Albuterol Sulfate and Ipratropium Bromide stay in your body?
The elimination half-life of albuterol sulfate and ipratropium bromide is about 5 to 6 hours — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. FDA labels give closely matching values by route: after an oral 4 mg tablet or syrup, albuterol "is eliminated with a half-life of about 5 hours"; after inhalation the terminal plasma half-life is roughly 4.6 to 6 hours. Half-life is not the same as how long the inhaler works — bronchodilation from a rescue inhaler fades in about 4 to 6 hours even though drug is still measurable. In children 4 to 11, the inhaled terminal half-life was shorter, about 166 minutes (2.8 hours). Kidney impairment: in 5 subjects with creatinine clearance 7 to 53 mL/min the label reports renal disease had NO effect on half-life, but albuterol clearance fell 67%, so systemic exposure rises and high doses warrant caution — most albuterol is cleared renally (80% to 100% of the dose as parent drug or its primary metabolite). Liver impairment and older adults: not studied, so no adjusted value exists. The label names no active metabolite that outlasts the parent — albuterol is metabolized mainly by the sulfotransferase SULT1A3 to a sulfate conjugate the label treats as an elimination product, not an active drug. Extended-release oral albuterol tablets are no longer marketed in the US, so no current label states a different half-life for an ER form.
This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: DailyMed — Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol, FDA prescribing information, Section 12 Clinical Pharmacology.
Dosage forms
Spray/Inhaler, metered
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- How is Combivent Respimat rated?
- pharmaranks gives Combivent Respimat a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- How much does Combivent Respimat cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $11.30 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins. Pharmacies pay less for a same-class option, Mysoline — about $2.89 on the same basis.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Combivent Respimat?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Combivent Respimat. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Combivent Respimat?
- Combivent Respimat is marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim. You can see Boehringer Ingelheim's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Combivent Respimat a brand-name or generic drug?
- Combivent Respimat is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Albuterol Sulfate and Ipratropium Bromide.
- Is Combivent Respimat available over the counter?
- No. Combivent Respimat is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Combivent Respimat come in?
- Combivent Respimat is currently marketed as spray/inhaler, metered, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Combivent Respimat FDA-registered?
- Combivent Respimat is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA021747. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Combivent Respimat been recalled by the FDA?
- Yes. Combivent Respimat has 1 recorded FDA recall event in the openFDA enforcement database. A recall removes specific lots from the market — usually for manufacturing, contamination, potency, or labeling issues — and does not mean the drug is unsafe to take; your specific lot was almost certainly never affected. This recall history is factored into its safety score above. Always check the FDA recall database or your pharmacist for current alerts.
- Is Combivent Respimat safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Combivent Respimat a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (1 recorded recall event) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Combivent Respimat?
- Combivent Respimat's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Use of albuterol, a beta 2 -adrenergic agonist, may be associated with the following: Paradoxical bronchospasm [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Cardiovascular effects [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis [ see Contraindications (4) and Warning… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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combivent respimat
70/100