Combivent
(ipratropium / albuterol)
Makes it easier to breathe.
Our bottom line
Combivent (ipratropium / albuterol) is effective for people who need 2 medications to control their COPD symptoms, but has to be used 4 times a day.
- Drug class: Respiratory
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (ipratropium / albuterol)
Upsides
- Effectively relieves symptoms of COPD.
- The Respimat inhaler doesn't require shaking before use, and only 1 inhalation per dose is needed.
- The nebulizer solution comes in a generic form and is much cheaper than the inhaler.
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What to expect from Combivent, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
142Downsides
- No generic form of the inhaler is currently available, so it can be very expensive for people without insurance.
- Can make your heart beat faster, which is an uncomfortable side effect. Might not be a good option for those with heart problems since the medicine can raise your heart rate and blood pressure.
- Can raise eye pressure and worsen symptoms for people who have a certain type of glaucoma.
- Can cause problems with urinating, so might not be appropriate for those with an enlarged prostate.
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What to expect from Combivent, on one page
Download Fact SheetCombivent (ipratropium / albuterol) is a combination medicine. It contains 2 bronchodilators (ipratropium and albuterol), which relax the muscles in your lungs to open up the airways and make breathing easier.
- Drug class: Respiratory
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (ipratropium / albuterol)
Prices and coupons
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Pay as low as$7.02400016784668Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- CostcoGet free coupon$13.27
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$13.46 - Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$14.88
What to expect when you take Combivent (ipratropium / albuterol) for COPD
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Inflammation of lung airways
- Common cold symptoms
- Infection of airways, nose, and throat
Side effect rates for Combivent (ipratropium / albuterol)
- Lung disease6%6%
- Common cold symptoms4%4%
- Sore throat4%4%
- Cough3%3%
- Headache3%3%
- Inflammation of lung airways3%3%
- Infection of airways, nose, and throat3%3%
- Chest pain3%3%
- Shortness of breath2%2%
- Diarrhea2%2%
- Inflammation of lung airways2%2%
- Urinary tract infection2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Combivent.
People taking Combivent felt side effect more
People taking Combivent felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Combivent (ipratropium / albuterol)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.A very small number of people may experience difficulty breathing right after using Combivent (ipratropium / albuterol). Call 911 or your doctor right away if a fast-acting (rescue) inhaler does not improve your breathing. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms get worse over time while using Combivent (ipratropium / albuterol) so that you can discuss other medications that can help treat your condition.