Combivent is a blend of albuterol and ipratropium that is used to relax muscles in patient airways. Drugs.com notes that the medication is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients who need a second or stronger medication. It is administered through an inhaler or nebulizer. Since Combivent does cause side effects that can include headaches, bronchospasms and chest pain, seeking out Combivent alternatives may be a better choice for some patients.
Long-Acting Beta-Agonist Inhalers
Long-acting beta-agonist inhalers are designed to be stronger than their shorter acting cousins and to provide extended relief like Combivent. Patient UK notes that these inhalers may last for up to 12 hours, widening bronchial passageways. Two of the most popular chemical compounds for long-acting beta-agonist inhalers are formoterol and salmeterol.
Long-Acting Anti-Cholinergic Inhaler
Another alternative to Combivent is a long-acting anti-cholinergic inhaler. Sometimes also referred to as anti-muscarinic inhalers, Patient UK notes that this medication works as a bronchodilator to help ease breathing patterns in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. NHS Choices reports that there is just one main chemical formulation for anti-cholinergic inhalers, which is the chemical tiotropium.
Corticosteroid Inhalers
Along with bronchodilating inhalers, corticosteroid inhalers can serve as alternatives to Combivent since they also work to make breathing easier for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. According to NHS Choices, corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation in air passageways, and the medication is delivered through an inhaler. These inhalers can be used alone or in combination with long-acting inhalers to relieve symptoms.
There are five main chemical components in corticosteroids according to Patient UK, including beclometasone, budesonide, ciclesonide, fluticasone and mometasone. Patients may wish to rinse and spit after using corticosteroid inhalers, as they may cause thrush, sore throats and a hoarse voice without this step.
Combination Inhalers
As another way to provide effective treatment without using Combivent, patients may choose combination inhalers. Patient UK reports that combination inhalers blend steroid based medications and long-acting bronchodilator medication to offer breathing relief for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. The most common blends are formoterol and beclometasone, salmeterol and fluticasone, and formoterol and budesonide.
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