Combivent UDVs

What is Combivent UDVs?

Combivent UDVs is a treatment used to treat COPD, which is inhaled through a nebuliser. COPD is not a single disease, rather an umbrella term which is used to refer to multiple diseases of the lungs and airways. These include the likes of chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive airways disease and emphysema.

The symptoms of these diseases are usually shortness of breath when you exercise, a phlegmy cough, and recurrent problems with chest infections. Combivent UDVs can help reduce these symptoms as it contains two active constituents (salbutamol and ipratropium) which aid your airways’ dilation, making it easier for you to breathe.

How do Combivent UDVs work?

The two active ingredients in Combivent UDVs (salbutamol and ipratropium) are effective at treating COPD because they both work together in order to dilate your airways. Salbutamol is a short acting beta agonist which is able to relax your airways by stimulating your Beta 2 receptors. As that’s happening, ipratropium (an antimuscarinic medication) works to relax your airways and prevent the production of mucus by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

When these two actions happen, they reduce the symptoms of COPD. This is because COPD usually occurs as a result of inflammation in the airways, making it a lot harder for you to inhale and exhale. When your airways dilate, it becomes a lot easier for air to pass through them and into your lungs - reducing the symptoms of COPD.

What doses of Combivent UDVs are there?

Each dose of Combivent UDV is 2.5 ml, with 500 micrograms of ipratropium bromide and three micrograms of salbutamol sulphate. It can be taken two to four times a day, depending on what treatment has been recommended by your clinician

How to use Combivent UDVs

In order to take Combivent UDVs you’ll need to use a nebuliser. Simply:

• Get your nebuliser ready by following the instructions that will have been provided by the manufacturer. If you are not sure on how to use it then be sure to speak to your clinician for more information.
• Open the pouch and remove the strip of unit dose vials. Carefully separate a new dose unit from the strip (be sure not to use the dose if it’s already open or if the liquid on the inside is in some way discoloured).
• Twist off the top of the dose (make sure you are holding it upright as you are doing this so that none of the medicine falls out).
• Squeeze all of the contents of the dose into the nebuliser chamber. Your clinician should have told you the amount that you should be taking. If they’ve said that your medicine will need to be diluted, then you will be given some sterile sodium chloride 0.9% solution. Your clinician will tell you exactly how you should be using this.
• Use your nebuliser to take the medication as you have been told to do so by your doctor.
• Once you’ve finished you should dispose of any of the leftover medicine carefully. The manufacturer will provide you with instructions on how you can keep your nebuliser clean, be sure to follow these as doing so is very important.

If you have any issues, or you struggle to use Combivent UDVs, get in touch with your clinician. They should be able to help you out.

How long does it take for Combivent UDVs to work?

You should find that Combivent UDVs provides you with some immediate relief from your symptoms. This is because of the presence of salbutamol, which is able to provide quick and continued relief over several hours.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Combivent UDVs?

If any of the liquid or mist accidently gets in your eyes when you’re taking the medication, then you might experience a painful stinging sensation. You might also get dilated pupils, blurred vision, or see colours or lights. If any of this occurs, then you should contact your doctor straight away for advice.

If you accidentally take more of this medication than you should, it’s important that you seek medical help immediately.

If you forget to take a dose, then you can take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In which case you should just leave the forgotten one. You shouldn’t double-dose in order to make up for missed doses.

Medically reviewed by

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

on August 02, 2022.

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