Atrovent vs. Combivent

Atrovent HFA (ipratropium bromide HFA) and Combivent (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) are inhalers used for maintenance and treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.

Atrovent and Combivent both contain an anticholinergic bronchodilator. Combivent also contains a selective beta2-adrenergic bronchodilator.

Common side effects of Atrovent include:

• headache
• dry mouth
• hoarseness
• cough
• stuffy nose
• sinus pain
• nausea
• upset stomach
• constipation
• back pain
• fever
• chills
• body aches
• flu symptoms
• blurred vision, and
• dizziness

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Atrovent HFA including bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing), eye pain, seeing halos around lights, pain or burning when you urinate, urinating less than usual or not at all, or worsening of your symptoms.

Common 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.

Atrovent HFA (ipratropium bromide HFA) is an anticholinergic bronchodilator, packaged in an inhaler, used for maintenance and treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Atrovent HFA is available as a generic termed ipratropium bromide.

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).

Atrovent HFA may interact with other bronchodilators. Atrovent HFA may also interact with bladder or urinary medicines, cold or allergy medicines that contain an antihistamine, medications for Parkinson's disease, or medications to treat excess stomach acid, stomach ulcer, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome.

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.

The usual starting dose of ATROVENT HFA is two inhalations four times a day. Patients may take additional inhalations as required; however, the total number of inhalations should not exceed 12 in 24 hours.

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