Ipratropium bromide/salbutamol, sold under the brand name Combivent among others, is a combination medication used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).^[1][4][5] It contains ipratropium (an anticholinergic) and salbutamol (albuterol, a β₂-adrenergic agonist).^[1]

Common side effects include sore throat, muscle cramps, and nausea.^[1] Other side effects may include bronchospasm, allergic reactions, and upper respiratory tract infections.^[1] Safety in pregnancy is unclear.^[6][1]

The combination was approved for medical use in the United States in 1996.^[7] It is available as a generic medication.^[4] In 2021, it was the 151st most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 3 million prescriptions.^[8][9]

Medical uses

Ipratropium bromide/salbutamol can be used for the treatment of COPD^[5] and asthma.^[10]

Society and culture

Since Combivent contains a chlorofluorocarbon-based propellant, its use was discontinued in 2013 in the United States and other countries. This is because chlorofluorocarbons are attributed to depletion of the ozone layer.^[11]

References