What is DuoNeb?
DuoNeb, a sterile solution for inhalation, contains a combination of albuterol and ipratropium. Albuterol, ipratropium, and other bronchodilators relax the muscles of the airways to increase the flow of air into the lungs. DuoNeb is an inhalation solution that prevents bronchospasm for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who also take other medications to manage their condition. DuoNeb can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Warnings
Do not use DuoNeb more than prescribed. DuoNeb overuse can increase the risk of death. You must only use the recommended dose of this medication. Tell your doctor before you start using DuoNeb if you suffer from heart disease, high cholesterol, coronary artery diseases, heart rhythm disorders, seizures, diabetes, or thyroid problems. Also, you should tell them if you are suffering from glaucoma and an enlarged prostate, as well as urination issues, liver disease, or kidney disease. DuoNeb should not be used if you have an allergy to albuterol, ipratropium, or atropine.
Before you take this drug
DuoNeb should not be used if you have an allergy to albuterol or ipratropium.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that duoneb will be safe for you:
- Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure or an Arrhythmic Disturbance;
- A seizure disorder such as epilepsy;
- Diabetes;
- Overactive thyroid
- Glaucoma;
- Liver or kidney disease
- An enlarged prostate.
Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant or nursing. Under-18s should not take this medication.
How to take DuoNeb?
DuoNeb should be used exactly as prescribed by your physician. Read and follow all instructions listed on your prescription label. DuoNeb should be taken four times per day. Dosage instructions from your doctor should be followed very closely. Use no more than six inhalations within a 24-hour period. DuoNeb overuse can increase the risk of death. You must only use the dose prescribed by your doctor. Please read and follow all directions provided with your medication, if possible. If any part of the instructions do not make sense to you please reach out to either your pharmacist or doctor immediately for clarification.
Use the solution in a nebulizer.
- Open the foil pouch and remove a vial. Pour the medicine into the nebulizer chamber. Attach the face mask or mouthpiece, then attach the drug chamber to the compressor.
- Sit up straight in a comfortable posture. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth, or wear the mask to cover your nose and your mouth. Start the compressor.
- Inhale slowly and evenly until the nebulizer has stopped producing mist and the drug chambers are empty.
- After each use, clean the nebulizer. Use the cleaning instructions that came with your device.
Seek medical help if your breathing issues worsen quickly or you feel that your medication is not working. You may need frequent X-rays of your chest or other lung function tests to ensure that this medicine does not cause harmful effects. Store away from moisture, light, and heat. Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.
Details on dosage
Adult Dose for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease One 3 mL vial (albuterol-ipratropium bromide, 2.5 mg-0.5 mg) four times daily through nebulization should provide optimal therapy; additional 3 mL doses can be added up to two more times each day if necessary (maximum daily dosage being two additional 3mL doses).
Comments:
In order to prevent recurrent bouts of bronchospasm, the inhalation solution may be used as prescribed by a physician.
If a previously successful regimen does not provide relief as usual, seek medical advice immediately. This is often an indication that COPD is worsening and may require a reassessment.
Use: Patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), who are on a regular aerosol-bronchodilator but still have bronchospasm symptoms and require a second bronchodilator
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take an incomplete one. Instead, skip it completely.Never take two doses of the same medicine at once. Refill your prescription before you run out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. DuoNeb overdose can be deadly.
What should be avoided?
If you get this medication in your eyes, wash them with water and consult a doctor. DuoNeb can affect your vision and reaction. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure of how they will affect you. You may experience impaired vision or a reaction.
Side effects of DuoNeb
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling to your lips, face, tongue or throat - contact emergency medical assistance immediately.
If you experience:
- If you experience wheezing or other breathing problems, discontinue use of this medication.
- Chest pain;
- Fluttering or fast heartbeats
- Tremors, nervousness;
- Swelling of the ankles and feet
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around light
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- Low sodium: leg cramps, constipation, increased thirst or urination, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
Duoneb may cause side effects such as:
- Headache;
- Trouble breathing
- Cold-like symptoms like a stuffy nose, sneezing, or coughing. Sore throat.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- A diuretic, or "water pill".
- Heart or blood pressure medication;
- Other beta-blockers
- Antidepressants are available.
This list is incomplete. DuoNeb may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
