Albuterol Ipratropium

-Albuterol: A short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used primarily as a bronchodilator to relieve bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). -Ipratropium: An anticholinergic bronchodilator used for maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Indications

-Albuterol: Acute asthma exacerbations, exercise-induced bronchospasm, COPD with reversible obstructive airway disease. -Ipratropium: Maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema; may be used in combination with other bronchodilators for enhanced effect.

Dosage

-Albuterol: Inhaler: 90 mcg per puff, 2 puffs every 4-6 hours as needed. Nebulizer: 2.5 mg 3-4 times a day. -Ipratropium: Inhaler: 17 mcg per puff, 2 puffs 4 times a day. Nebulizer: 0.5 mg 3-4 times a day.

Contra-Indications

-Albuterol: Hypersensitivity to albuterol or any component of the formulation, severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins (in some inhaler formulations). -Ipratropium: Hypersensitivity to ipratropium, atropine, or any of their derivatives.

Special Precautions

-Albuterol: Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, or in those sensitive to sympathomimetic amines. -Ipratropium: Use with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, or bladder-neck obstruction.

Side Effects

-Albuterol: Tremors, nervousness, headache, tachycardia, palpitations, muscle cramps, dry mouth, throat irritation. -Ipratropium: Dry mouth, cough, headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary retention, blurred vision.

Drug Interactions

-Albuterol: Beta-blockers may decrease the effectiveness of albuterol. Use with other adrenergic drugs can increase side effects. MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate the effects of albuterol on the cardiovascular system. -Ipratropium: May have additive anticholinergic effects with other anticholinergic medications. Use with caution with other drugs that have anticholinergic properties.