COMBIVENT RESPIMAT is a combination of ipratropium bromide (as the monohydrate) and albuterol sulfate.

Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic bronchodilator chemically described as 8-azoniabicyclo[3.2.1] octane, 3-(3-hydroxy-1-oxo-2-phenylpropoxy)-8-methyl-8-(1-methylethyl)-, bromide monohydrate, (3-endo, 8-syn)-: a synthetic quaternary ammonium compound chemically related to atropine. Ipratropium bromide is a white to off-white crystalline substance, freely soluble in water and methanol, sparingly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in lipophilic solvents such as ether, chloroform, and fluorocarbons.

The structural formula is:

C20H30BrNO3•H2O ipratropium bromide Mol. Wt. 430.4

Albuterol sulfate, chemically known as (1,3-benzenedimethanol, α'-[[(1,1dimethylethyl) amino] methyl]-4-hydroxy, sulfate (2:1)(salt), (±)- is a relatively selective beta2-adrenergic bronchodilator. Albuterol is the official generic name in the United States. The World Health Organization recommended name for the drug is salbutamol. Albuterol sulfate is a white to off-white crystalline powder, freely soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol, chloroform, and ether.

The structural formula is:

(C13H21NO3)2•H2SO4 albuterol sulfate Mol. Wt. 576.7

The drug product, COMBIVENT RESPIMAT, is composed of a sterile, aqueous solution of ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate filled into a 4.5 mL plastic container crimped into an aluminum cylinder (COMBIVENT RESPIMAT cartridge) for use with the COMBIVENT RESPIMAT inhaler. Excipients include water for injection, benzalkonium chloride, edetate disodium, and hydrochloric acid. The COMBIVENT RESPIMAT cartridge is only intended for use with the COMBIVENT RESPIMAT inhaler. The COMBIVENT RESPIMAT inhaler is a hand held, pocket sized oral inhalation device that uses mechanical energy to generate a slow moving aerosol cloud of medication from a metered volume of the drug solution. The COMBIVENT RESPIMAT inhaler has an orange-colored cap.

When used with the COMBIVENT RESPIMAT inhaler, each cartridge containing 4 grams of a sterile aqueous solution delivers the labeled number of metered actuations after preparation for use. Each actuation from the COMBIVENT RESPIMAT inhaler delivers 20 mcg ipratropium bromide (monohydrate) and 100 mcg albuterol (equivalent to 120 mcg albuterol sulfate) in 11.4 mcL of solution from the mouthpiece. As with all inhaled drugs, the actual amount of drug delivered to the lung may depend on patient factors, such as the coordination between the actuation of the inhaler and inspiration through the delivery system. The duration of inspiration should be at least as long as the spray duration (1.5 seconds).

Prior to first use, the COMBIVENT RESPIMAT cartridge is inserted into the COMBIVENT RESPIMAT inhaler and the unit is primed. When using the unit for the first time, patients are to actuate the inhaler toward the ground until an aerosol cloud is visible and then repeat the process three more times. The unit is then considered primed and ready for use. If not used for more than 3 days, patients are to actuate the inhaler once to prepare the inhaler for use. If not used for more than 21 days, patients are to actuate the inhaler until an aerosol cloud is visible and then repeat the process three more times to prepare the inhaler for use [see Patient Counseling Information (17)].