How does Combivent Inhaler (Ipratropium bromide/Salbutamol sulphate) work?
This medicine contains two active ingredients, ipratropium bromide and salbutamol sulphate. Salbutamol belongs to a group of medicines called short-acting beta 2 agonists. It works by acting on receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. Stimulation of these receptors causes the muscles in the airways to relax, allowing the airways to open. Ipratropium bromide is a type of medicine known as an antimuscarinic bronchodilator. It works by blocking different types of receptors, called muscarinic receptors, that are found on the muscle surrounding the airways in the lungs. Stimulation of these receptors by a natural chemical called acetylcholine normally causes the muscle in the airways to contract, and this makes the airways narrow. Depending on how much the receptors are stimulated, this can cause difficulties breathing, as is seen in asthma and bronchitis. As ipratropium blocks the receptors, it stops the action of acetylcholine and allows the airways to open, making it easier to bre
This medicine contains two active ingredients, ipratropium bromide and salbutamol sulphate. Salbutamol belongs to a group of medicines called short-acting beta 2 agonists. It works by acting on receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. Stimulation of these receptors causes the muscles in the airways to relax, allowing the airways to open. Ipratropium bromide is a type of medicine known as an antimuscarinic bronchodilator. It works by blocking different types of receptors, called muscarinic receptors, that are found on the muscle surrounding the airways in the lungs. Stimulation of these receptors by a natural chemical called acetylcholine normally causes the muscle in the airways to contract, and this makes the airways narrow. Depending on how much the receptors are stimulated, this can cause difficulties breathing, as is seen in asthma and bronchitis. As ipratropium blocks the receptors, it stops the action of acetylcholine and allows the airways to open, making it easier to bre
