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Combivent Coupon - Combivent 120 doses of 20mcg/100mcg respimat inhaler

Combivent

ipratropium / albuterol
Used for COPD
Used for COPD

Combivent Respimat is an inhaler that's used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. It's a combination medication that contains two different bronchodilators: ipratropium, a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA), and albuterol, a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). The medication is inhaled through the mouth 4 times a day, but up to 6 times per day if instructed. Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) isn't a rescue inhaler; it's used regularly rather than as needed for sudden breathing problems. Side effects aren't common but can include upper respiratory tract infections and cough.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 9, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)?

What is Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) used for?

How Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) works

Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) is a combination of two medications that work together to make it easier to breathe.

Are you looking for information on Duoneb (ipratropium / albuterol) inhalation solution instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCombivent Respimat
Drug ClassSAMA / SABA
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$602.20(save 17.62%)
GoodRx discount
$496.12
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What are the side effects of Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Shakiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Chest discomfort
  • Racing heart

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Sudden narrowing of your airways: difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, chest pain or tightness
  • Heart problems: dizziness, fatigue, weakness, tremor, irregular heartbeat, worsening symptoms of heart problem that you already have
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives; swelling of your face, lips, or tongue; difficulty breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Body aches or pain

chills

cough

cough producing mucus

difficulty with breathing

ear congestion

fever

headache

loss of voice

runny nose

sneezing

sore throat

stuffy nose

tightness in the chest

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

burning while urinating burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

chest pain

congestion

diarrhea

difficult, burning, or painful urination

dizziness

fainting

fast, slow, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

frequent urge to urinate

general feeling of discomfort or illness

hoarseness

increased sputum

joint pain

loss of appetite

lower back or side pain

muscle aches and pains

nausea

nervousness

noisy breathing

pain

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

pounding in the ears

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

shivering

sweating

swelling

tender, swollen glands in the neck

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

trouble sleeping

trouble swallowing

voice changes

vomiting

Rare

Skin rash or hives

swelling of the face, lips, eyelids, mouth, or throat

Incidence not known

Chest discomfort

decrease in the frequency of urination

decrease in urine volume

difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)

itching skin

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

redness of the skin

welts

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste

belching

change in taste

diarrhea

difficulty with moving

dry mouth

heartburn

indigestion

muscle pain or stiffness

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

voice changes

Incidence not known

Bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)

blindness

change in near or distance vision

decreased vision

difficulty in focusing eyes

dry throat

eye pain

increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

itching, redness, tearing, or other sign of eye irritation not present before use of this medicine or becoming worse during use

lack or loss of strength

noisy breathing

redness of the white part of the eyes or inside of the eyelids

swelling of the eye

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

tearing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)

thumbs-up

Pros

Combines two different bronchodilators within a single inhaler for convenience

Can start to work in about 15 minutes to help with breathing for some people

Doesn't require shaking before use

Don't need to rinse your mouth after use

thumbs-down

Cons

Not a rescue inhaler

Might need to use up to 6 times per day, depending on the severity of your COPD symptoms

Might not be a good option for people with heart problems

No lower-cost generic; only available as a brand-name medication

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)

pharmacist

  • Use Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) regularly 4 times daily. If needed, your prescriber might recommend for you to use the medication up to 6 times per day. You don't need to shake the inhaler before you use it.

    • Call your prescriber if your breathing gets worse or if it doesn't improve after you use Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol). Also contact them if you're using Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) more often than usual. These could be signs that you need a change in your treatment plan for your COPD.

      • Don't start any new medications while you're taking Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) without asking your prescriber or pharmacist first. Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) can interact with other medications. Some interactions can make your medications work less well or put you at risk for side effects. Examples include anticholinergics, beta blockers, and tricyclic antidepressants. Your care team can make sure it's safe to take them together.

        How to use Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)

        • Carefully read the instructions on how to set up and use the Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) inhaler to make sure you get the complete dose. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you have any questions about using the inhaler.

          • To use the inhaler, remember TOP: Turn the base in the direction of the arrows on the inhaler until you hear a click (half a turn). Open the cap. Then, breathe out slowly and fully before you place your lips around the mouthpiece; don't cover the air vents. Press the dose-release button while you take a slow, deep breath through your mouth. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as you comfortably can.

            • You'll need to "prime" each new Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) inhaler before you use it. Prime the inhaler by completing the TOP steps to release 4 visible streams of mist from the inhaler and towards the ground.

              • If you haven't used your Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) for more than 3 days, prime the inhaler by releasing 1 visible stream of mist towards the ground before you use it. And if you haven't used your inhaler for more than 3 weeks, prime the inhaler as if it were new.

                • After you've inserted a new cartridge into a Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) inhaler, throw the entire inhaler away after 3 months, even if it still contains unused medication. Always place a new cartridge into a new inhaler device.

                  • Be sure to clean the mouthpiece (including the metal part inside) with a damp cloth or tissue at least once a week. It's okay if the mouthpiece gets a little discolored.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)

                    Is Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) a rescue inhaler?
                    No, Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) isn't a rescue inhaler. One of the ingredients in Combivent Respimat is albuterol, which on its own is available as a rescue inhaler that helps treat sudden shortness of breath within a few minutes. But studies show that Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) starts to work to help with breathing in about 15 minutes after an inhalation for some people. This might take longer than how fast a rescue inhaler can work. Be sure to use Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) regularly every day to help with your breathing rather than as a rescue inhaler.
                    Can you take Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) and albuterol (Ventolin) together?
                    Ask your primary care provider or pulmonologist about taking albuterol (Ventolin) and Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) together. Combivent Respimat already contains albuterol, and taking too much albuterol raises your risk for side effects like fast heart rate.
                    Can Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) be used as needed?
                    Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) is typically taken regularly 4 times per day. If needed, your prescriber might allow you to take 2 additional puffs each day. But Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) isn't typically used as needed for shortness of breath or wheezing, like how albuterol (Ventolin) is. This is because Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) isn't a rescue inhaler.
                    Is Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) a steroid?
                    No, Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) isn't a steroid and it doesn't lessen inflammation in the lungs to help you breathe better. Instead, the medication contains a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA) called ipratropium and a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) called albuterol. Both ipratropium and albuterol are bronchodilators that help open up your airways. Your primary care provider or pulmonologist might prescribe an inhaled steroid for you to use in addition to Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) if you're still having breathing problems.
                    How many puffs are in Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)?
                    Each Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) inhaler contains 120 puffs. Sample inhalers contain 60 puffs. There's a dose indicator on the inhaler that shows how much medication is left inside. When the dose indicator gets to the red area, this means that there are 7 days of medication left in a regular Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) inhaler and 3 days of medication left in a sample inhaler. At this point, be sure to contact your pharmacy for a refill if you don't have any new inhalers left. When the inhaler completely runs out of the medication, it'll lock.
                    Can Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) be used for asthma?
                    Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) is FDA approved for COPD only. But there have been studies showing that as-needed use of Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) might be a safe option that works well for people with asthma. Keep in mind that this would be an off-label use of Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol). Speak with your primary care provider or pulmonologist about your treatment options if you have asthma.
                    Can Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) be used with a spacer?
                    No, don't use Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) with a spacer. Spacers are only used for a certain types of inhalers called pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) or HFA (hydrofluoroalkane) inhalers, like albuterol (Ventolin). Metered-dose inhalers release the medication quickly, and you have to breathe in quickly to get as much medication as possible. This technique can be difficult for some people. So spacers are used to make it easier to inhale the medication. But Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) isn't a metered-dose inhaler. Instead, it's a soft-mist inhaler that releases the medication slowly, making it easier to breathe in.
                    Do you need to rinse your mouth after Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)?
                    No. You don't need to rinse your mouth after you use Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol). This is because it doesn't contain a steroid, which typically raises your risk for oral thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth or throat).
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                    warings-icon

                    What are the risks and warnings for Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)?

                    Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)

                    Although extremely rare, Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) can sometimes cause a muscle spasm in your lungs (bronchospasm). This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. Get medical attention right away if you suddenly become short of breath after you use Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol).

                    risk-warning

                    Effects on the heart and blood pressure

                    • Risk factors: High blood pressure | Heart failure | Heart rate or rhythm problems | Using more Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) than recommended

                      Although rare, it's possible for Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) to cause changes in your blood pressure, heart rate, and sometimes heart rhythm. If you have high blood pressure or other heart problems, Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) can make your medical condition worse, especially if you take the medication more often than instructed. Watch out for worsening signs and symptoms of your heart condition. Tell your prescriber if you develop dizziness, fatigue, tremor, rapid heartbeat, or weakness while you're using Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol).

                      risk-warning

                      Eye problems

                      • Risk factors: History of glaucoma | Accidentally getting Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) into the eye | Using the nebulizer machine incorrectly

                        Though not common, using Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) can raise the pressure in the eyes. Sometimes, this can cause or worsen glaucoma. Let your optometrist or ophthalmologist know that you're taking Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) if you have glaucoma or other eye problems. Also speak with them if you notice any changes to your vision while you're using the medication. Don't spray Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) in your eyes because this could cause eye pain, discomfort, blurry vision, and other vision changes.

                        risk-warning

                        Trouble urinating

                        • Risk factors: Enlarged prostate | Bladder-neck obstruction (blockage)

                          Use Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) with caution in people who have urinary or prostate problems. This medication can cause difficulty urinating, which can worsen urinary problems. Contact your prescriber if you notice difficulty urinating while you're taking this medication.

                          risk-warning

                          Severe allergic reaction

                          Severe allergic reactions to Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Get medical help right away if you notice hives; rash; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; or difficulty breathing after you use Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol).

                          risk-warning

                          Low potassium in the blood

                          • Risk factors: Taking too much Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)

                            Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) can sometimes cause the potassium levels in your blood to drop too low. This is more likely to happen if you take too much Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol). Symptoms of low potassium include tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, and a racing heart. Don't take more Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) than prescribed. Seek medical help right away if Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) isn't helping your breathing get better.

                            dosage

                            Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) dosage forms

                            The average cost for 1 respimat inhaler of 120 doses of 20mcg/100mcg of Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) is $496.12 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 17.62% off the average retail price of $602.20.
                            respimat inhaler
                            Respimat inhaler
                            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                            120 doses of 20mcg/100mcg1 respimat inhaler$496.12$496.12

                            Typical dosing for Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)

                            Each inhalation delivers 20 mcg of ipratropium and 120 mcg of albuterol sulfate.

                            The usual dose is 1 inhalation (puff) through the mouth 4 times per day. Your prescriber might instruct you to take more puffs if needed. The maximum dose is 6 puffs within a 24-hour period.

                            More on Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) dosage forms

                            combivent: combivent respimat dosage

                            Combivent Respimat Dosage for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

                            Written by Jill Barat, PharmD
                            interactions

                            Interactions between Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) and other drugs

                            Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                            How much does Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) cost?

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                            contraindications-icon

                            Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) contraindications

                            Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) will not be safe for you to take.
                            alternatives

                            What are alternatives to Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)?

                            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                            Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)
                            Used for:
                            $496.12 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            Atrovent HFA (ipratropium)
                            Used for:
                            $313.05 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            Ipratropium/albuterol solution
                            Used for:
                            $18.40 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                            This medicine is Colorless Respimat Inhaler.

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                            References

                            Best studies we found

                            Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2021). Combivent Respimat- ipratropium bromide and albuterol spray, metered [package insert]. DailyMed.

                            Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2021). Welcome to your Respimat quick start guide.

                            Donohue, J. F., et al. (2016). Efficacy and safety of ipratropium bromide/albuterol compared with albuterol in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma: A randomized controlled trial. BioMed Central Pulmonary Medicine.

                            View All References (1)

                            Holt, T., et al. (2017). A patient’s guide to aerosol medication delivery. American Association for Respiratory Care.

                            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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