Combivent vs. Ventolin

Combivent (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) and Ventolin HFA (albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol) are bronchodilators used to treat different breathing problems.

Combivent is used to treat and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes bronchitis and emphysema).

Ventolin HFA is used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in people with reversible obstructive airway disease. Ventolin HFA is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.

Side effects of Combivent and Ventolin HFA that are similar include headache, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, shaking (tremors), nervousness, or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, or sore throat.

Side effects of Ventolin HFA that are different from Combivent include palpitations, throat dryness or irritation, hoarseness, vomiting, sleep problems (insomnia), muscle pain, changes in taste, or diarrhea.

Both Combivent and Ventolin HFA may interact with diuretics (water pills), heart or blood pressure medications, antidepressants, or other bronchodilators.

Combivent may also interact with bladder or urinary medicines, medications for Parkinson's disease; medications to treat excess stomach acid, stomach ulcer, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome; stimulants, ADHD medications, diet pills, or over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines.

Ventolin HFA may also interact with MAO inhibitors.

Side effects of Combivent include:

• headache,
• dizziness,
• nausea,
• dry mouth,
• shaking (tremors),
• nervousness, or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, or sore throat.

Common side effects of Ventolin include:

• nervousness,
• shaking (tremor),
• palpitations,
• headache,
• mouth/throat dryness or irritation,
• cough,
• hoarseness,
• sore throat,
• runny or stuffy nose,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• dizziness,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• muscle pain,
• changes in taste, or
• diarrhea.

Seek medical help immediately if you have rare but serious side effects of Ventolin HFA, including:

• chest pain or
• irregular heartbeat.

Combivent (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) is an inhaler that is a combination of an anticholinergic bronchodilator and a selective beta2-adrenergic bronchodilator used to treat and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD which includes bronchitis and emphysema).

Ventolin HFA (albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol) is a bronchodilator used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in people with reversible obstructive airway disease. Ventolin HFA is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. Ventolin HFA is available in generic form.

Combivent may interact with bladder or urinary medicines, diuretics (water pills), heart or blood pressure medications, medications for Parkinson's disease or depression; medications to treat excess stomach acid, stomach ulcer, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome; other bronchodilators, stimulants, ADHD medications, diet pills, or over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Ventolin HFA may adversely interact with diuretics (water pills), digoxin, beta-blockers, antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, or other bronchodilators. Tell your doctor all medications you are taking. During pregnancy, Ventolin HFA should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

The dose of Combivent Inhalation Aerosol is two inhalations four times a day.

The dose of Ventolin HFA for adults and children for treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm or prevention of symptoms associated with bronchospasm is 2 inhalations repeated every 4 to 6 hours. More frequent administration or a larger number of inhalations is not recommended. For exercise-induced bronchospasm, the dose is 2 inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.