About Duolin Respules
Duolin Respules contains Levosalbutamol 1.25 mg/2.5 ml + Ipratropium Bromide 500 mcg/2.5 ml. This combination is a nebuliser solution used to open up the airways in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially during flare-ups. It contains two different bronchodilators that work together to relax tight airways. It is breathed in as a mist through a nebuliser machine.
Uses of Duolin Respules
- Breathlessness and wheezing in COPD
- Asthma symptoms, including flare-ups (as prescribed)
Benefits
In COPD and asthma
It opens the airways quickly, easing wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. Two medicines acting in different ways can give more relief than either alone.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Shaking (tremor)
- Fast heartbeat
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Cough or throat irritation
Get medical help if you notice
- Sudden wheezing or tightness of the chest straight after using it — use your reliever inhaler and get medical help straight away
- Eye pain, blurred vision or seeing halos (if the mist gets into the eyes) — get medical help
- Chest pain or a very fast or irregular heartbeat — get medical help
- Difficulty passing urine — contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Use it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Twist open one plastic vial, squeeze all of the liquid into the nebuliser cup, attach the mouthpiece or mask, and breathe in calmly through your mouth until the mist stops. Do not swallow or inject the solution. Keep the mist away from your eyes, and clean the nebuliser after each use.
How it works
Levosalbutamol stimulates beta-2 receptors to relax the muscles around the airways quickly. Ipratropium blocks a nerve signal (acetylcholine) that makes the airways tighten. Together they widen the airways.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction is known.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
It may cause dizziness or blurred vision in some people. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Consult your doctor
Limited information is available. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Liver Consult your doctor
Limited information is available. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you use it regularly and miss a dose, use it when you remember unless the next dose is due soon. Do not use extra doses to catch up.
Quick tips
- Use a mouthpiece, or make sure a face mask fits well, to keep the mist out of your eyes.
- If you need it more often than usual or it helps less, see your doctor straight away.
- Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, heart disease or an overactive thyroid.
- Use each vial once and throw away any leftover liquid.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Quaternary ammonium anticholinergic (ipratropium); beta-2 agonist, R-isomer of salbutamol (levosalbutamol)
- Therapeutic class
- Respiratory
- Action class
- Short-acting anticholinergic + short-acting beta-2 agonist
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Beta-blockers | Can block the effect of levosalbutamol and may cause wheezing |
| Water pills, steroids, theophylline | Higher risk of low potassium |
| Other anticholinergic medicines | Can add to side effects such as dry mouth and difficulty passing urine |
| MAOI or tricyclic antidepressants | May increase effects on the heart and blood pressure |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Levosalbutamol and ipratropium respirator solution prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: ipratropium bromide). Pharmacist review pending.