DuoNeb (albuterol sulfate and ipratropium bromide)
Company: Dey Laboratories
Approval Status: Approved March 2001
Treatment for: Bronchospasm associated with COPD for patients who require more than one bronchodilator
Areas: Pulmonary/Respiratory Diseases
| General Information | Clinical Results | Side Effects | Mechanism of Action | Additional Information |
General Information
DuoNeb Inhalation Solution has been approved for the treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients who require more than one bronchodilator. This product combines two respiratory solutions, ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate, in a premixed, premeasured, unit-dose vial for nebulization. With this formulation, there is no need for patients to dilute or mix solutions, and advantages may include faster treatment time and a reduced chance of medication error.
COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis -- diseases that are characterized by airflow obstruction. According to the World Health Organization, COPD will be the third most common cause of death worldwide by 2020. The quality of life for a person suffering from COPD diminishes as the disease progresses. Current treatment is tailored to the severity of the disease and may include bronchodilators, antibiotics and exercise to strengthen muscles.
Clinical Results
Results of an 863-subject trial demonstrated that DuoNeb improved bronchodilation over albuterol alone by 24% and over ipratropium alone by 37%, with no increased safety risk.
Side Effects
Adverse reactions reported with DuoNeb include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Chest pain
- Pharyngitis
- Diarrhea
- Bronchitis
- Nausea
- Leg cramps
Caution is advised for patients with the following conditions:
- Convulsive disorders
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Prostatic hypertrophy
- Bladder-neck obstruction
Albuterol sulfate administration, as well as the co-administration of DuoNeb and other sympathomimetic agents, may result in significant cardiovascular effects.
Mechanism of Action
Albuterol is a beta2-adrenergic bronchodilator. Ipratropium bromide, also a bronchodilator, blocks the physiologic action of acetylcholine.
Additional Information
If you would like further information on COPD, please visit the National Library of Medicine.
The FDA drug information shown here is licensed from Thomson CenterWatch. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice which should be sought from qualified medical and pharmaceutical advisers.
