What combination agents are used to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
Combination agents used to treat COPD are Combivent®, Advair®, and Symbicort®
- Combivent is the brand name for albuterol and ipratropium bromide (Atrovent®).
- Advair is the brand name for a combination of fluticasone propionate (Flovent®) and salmeterol inhalation powder (Serevent®).
- Symbicort is the brand name for a combination of formoterol (Foradil®) and budesonide (Pulmicort®).
What does Combivent do, and how is it supplied?
Combivent is available as a metered dose inhaler. The medication:
- Opens up large and small airways
- Helps decrease coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath by increasing air flow into the lungs
- Takes effect more slowly than "fast-acting" bronchodilators, but works for a longer period of time.
What does Advair do, and how is it supplied?
Advair is available as a dry powder inhaler. It prevents airway swelling and spasms.
What does Symbicort do, and how is it supplied?
Symbicort is available as a dry powder inhaler. It also prevents airway swelling and spasms.
What are the possible side effects of combination agents?
The possible side effects of Combivent, Advair, and Symbicort include:
- Dizziness, headache, muscle cramps
- Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting
- Nervousness, tremor
- Palpitations, rapid heart beat, increased blood pressure
- Cough, increased wheezing
Combivent may cause blurred vision if sprayed in the eyes. You should notify your doctor if you are allergic to soya lecithin, soybean protein, or peanuts.
Advair may:
- Prolong recovery from upper respiratory infection or inflammation
- Cause thrush (a mouth infection)
- Cause a sore throat, and/or hoarseness
- Increase the risk of infection
Symbicort may:
- Prolong recovery from upper respiratory infection or inflammation
- Cause thrush (a mouth infection)
- Cause a sore throat, and/or hoarseness
- Increase the risk of infection
Note: The side effects listed are the most common. Always contact your health care provider if you have questions about your personal situation.
How and when do you take Combivent? Are there special instructions?
- Take every day on a routine basis, as prescribed, to control symptoms.
- Continue to take as prescribed, even if symptoms are under control.
- Your doctor may prescribe a "rescue" inhaler for sudden symptoms.
How and when do you take Advair? Are there special instructions?
- Rinse mouth after use to prevent side effects.
- Do not use for quick relief.
- The medication will not stop an attack that has already started.
- Do not stop taking Advair without talking to your doctor.
How and when do you take Symbicort? Are there special instructions?
- Rinse mouth after use to prevent side effects.
- Do not use for quick relief.
- The medication will not stop an attack that has already started.
- Do not stop taking Symbicort without talking to your doctor.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 8/15/2008…#14314
