The recommended dosing for Combivent is two puffs four times a day. Patients may take additional puffs as needed to control respiratory symptoms, but the total number of puffs should not exceed 12 in 24 hours. Safety and efficacy of additional doses Combivent or extra doses of ipratropium bromide or albuterol sulfate in addition to recommended doses of Combivent have not been studied. The Relentless Progression of COPD COPD develops over a period of years but produces no visible symptoms in the early years of the disease. If the symptoms are brought to a doctor's attention, however, and COPD is diagnosed, therapy can be started.
Smoking cessation is the essential first step in treating the disease.
If the smoker quits early enough in the course of COPD, eventually the rate of decline of lung function may revert to normal. Drug treatment and other forms of therapy can relieve symptoms and improve patients' ability to carry out the activities of everyday living. Any question regarding a medical diagnosis, treatment, referral, drug availability or pricing should be directed to either a licensed physician or to the product's manufacturer.