combivent is two medicines for breathing put into one inhaler (combi- combination vent- ventilation)
The medicines are two types of breathing medicines. One is called Ipratroprium bromide (its brand name when sold alone is Atrovent) and the other is called Salbutamol.
These two medications work differently to achieve a similar end. Salbutamol is called a sympathomimetic bronchodilator, or a beta-2-receptor agonist. basically all you need to know is that it stimulates a certain receptor on the muscles around the bronchial tubes that causes them to relax. This opens up your airways.
Ipratroprium bromide is called an anticholinergic bronchodilator. It works by impeding the impulses of cholinergic (parasympathetic) nerve fibres. This widens the air passages as well. You should be careful however to avoid letting this medication make way to your eyes. It may blur your vision temporarily.
Salbutamol's most common side effects are nausea, shaking, headache, nervousness and tachycardia.
Atrovent's most common side effect is a dry mouth, a bad taste, and hoarse voice.
What is most important with the inhaler is to make sure you are using it properly. The combivent you have is a spray I am assuming. To use a spray you can do it one of two ways. In both ways you start by breathing out as much as you can comfortably. Then you can either position the mouthpiece between your lips or you can put it two fingers width away from your open mouth. Depress the canister down to make it spray and inhale slowly and deeply at the same time. This is the part that's hard to do. The timing takes some practise. Inhale as deeply as you can comfortably, and hold your breath for about ten seconds if you can, if not as long as possible. Let it out slowly between pursed lips. If you need to take another inhalation, wait about thirty seconds for your airways to open up a little before you take another puff -- it makes it work a little better because it gets deeper into your lungs.
Hope this helps.
Combivent
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