Albuterol; Ipratropium inhalation aerosol

What is this medicine?

ALBUTEROL; IPRATROPIUM (al BYOO ter ole; i pra TROE pee um) has two bronchodilators. It helps open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe.This medicine is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for inhalation only. Follow the instructions on your prescription label. Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• fever

• high blood pressure

• irregular heartbeat or chest pain

• muscle cramps or weakness

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision

• cough

• difficulty passing urine

• difficulty sleeping

• headache

• nervousness or trembling

• stuffy or runny nose

• unusual taste

• upset stomach

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• diuretics

• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• medicines for irregular heartbeat

• medicines for weight loss including some herbal products

• methadone

• pimozide

• sertindole

• some medicines for blood pressure or the heart

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at a room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. This medicine does not work as well if it is too cold. Protect from humidity. Never throw the container into a fire or incinerator. Keep track of the number of sprays used and discard after 200 sprays. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• irregular heartbeat

• an unusual or allergic reaction to albuterol, ipratropium, atropine, soya protein, soybeans or peanuts, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. If your breathing gets worse while you are using this medicine, call your doctor right away. Do not stop using your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

You may get dizzy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.