What Is a DuoNeb?

DuoNeb combines albuterol sulfate and ipratropium bromide, two bronchodilators commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It prevents bronchospasms in emphysema, chronic bronchitis and other conditions.

Albuterol

• Albuterol is a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, a drug which stimulates beta receptors, thus relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways. This opens the airways, and allows more air to enter and exit the lungs.

Ipratropium

• Ipratropium is classified with anticholinergic, or antimuscarinic, medications. These drugs also help relax the muscles of the airways.

Combination Benefits

• Prior to the approval of DuoNeb, patients could create a combination of the two medications as advised by a doctor, but a premixed and pre-measured product helps avoid any inconsistencies or errors.

Nebulizer

• With DuoNeb, the medications are inhaled through a nebulizer, which turns the liquid into a very fine mist.

Dosage

• The usual dose of DuoNeb is one unit dose vial taken four times a day, but patients may take additional treatments as advised by their doctor.