Side Effects of Combivent
Beside its effect Combivent may cause some unwanted side effects too. However it is not necessary for every individual taking this drug to experience side effects. If side effects do occur then patients must immediately seek medical attention. It is vital to immediately check and consult the doctor so that one can instantly get relief from side effects symptoms.
The common side effects associated with Combivent include:
- Cough
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Tiredness or weakness
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Loss of voice
- Difficulty in breathing
- Congestion in ear
- Cough producing mucus
- Shortness of breath
- Sneezing
- Body aches or pain
- Congestion
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
Rare side effects of Combivent that are experienced by very few patients include:
- Hives
- Skin rash
- Fast heartbeat
- Itching
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue
- Swelling in hands, feet, ankle or lower legs
Combivent Drug Interactions
Before taking Combivent, patients should be made aware of potential drug interactions with other medications. If patients are taking Combivent along with certain medications like tricyclic antidepressants, certain diuretics and digoxin, possible drug interactions may occur. The interaction of these drugs can reduce its effectiveness and can dangerously reduce the blood pressure or can even increase the chance of other side effects. Thus, it is essential for people to discuss their health conditions and their medications with their doctor or pharmacist to prevent drug interactions. Combivent can potentially interact with the following medications:
Acetylcholine-sterase inhibitors like
- Galantamine
- Donepezil
- Rivastigmine
Anticholinergic medications like:
- Atropine
- Benztropine
- Belladonna
Combivent Warnings and Precautions
Patients allergic to ipratropium, albuterol, tiotropium, atropine or other belladonna-type drugs must inform their doctor prior to taking Combivent. Discussing health condition with the health care provider is essential, as a doctor is best to determine the safety and efficacy of the drug for their patients. Warnings or important precautions that must be kept in mind while using the drug include:
- Do not use Combivent, if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
- The drug may increase pressure in the eye and hence may worsen certain type of Glaucoma.
- There may be an unexpected increase in wheezing immediately after using the drug. Patients must stop using the drug and consult to the doctor in this case.
- On experiencing difficulty in breathing, patients must report to the doctor.
- Eye contact with the medication should be avoided especially by the glaucoma patients. One should immediately seek medical attention if the medicine accidentally gets into the eyes.
- Combivent can lower blood potassium level and thus its level should be regularly monitored in patients suffering from severe airway obstruction.
Patients suffering from following diseases or health problems should either stay away from the drug or must take the medication strictly under the guidance of their health care provider.
- An enlarged prostate
- Bladder problem
- High blood pressure
- Fast heart rate
- Irregular heart beat or other heart related problems
- Overactive thyroid
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Allergic to food, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding
