DUOLIN INHALER (LEVOSALBUTAMOL/IPRATROPIUM)

Duolin inhalers prevent COPD, which causes coughing, breathlessness, and wheezing. Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases are lung diseases. They occur due to damage to the air sacs (alveoli), also known as emphysema. It also occurs due to chronic bronchitis. It narrows and inflames the bronchial tubes and airway linings. The Duolin inhaler contains a mix of two bronchodilator drugs: Ipratropium and Levosalbutamol. Duolin inhalers work by widening the airway of the patients’ lungs. This relaxes the muscles and helps patients take deep breaths. Hence, doctors use Duolin to treat COPD, and the patient no longer feels short of breath with Duolin.

Duolin is available as a medication in the form of resicaps, rotacaps, and inhalers. Yet, never take Duolin inhalers in any form without a doctor’s advice. Their safe use is only possible under a doctor’s supervision, so consult your doctor. Never inhale an extra number of puffs; it may lead to an overdose. Depending on your medical history, your doctor may recommend you the dose. If you experience any allergies, visit your doctor immediately. This includes if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or have difficulty breathing. Never use the inhalers more than the prescriber’s limit. It may cause severe lung or heart problems. Duolin for nebulisers is readily available at any medical or online store.

Doctors advise checking the blood potassium level. Prolonged use sometimes leads to low potassium levels. Suppose you are suffering from glaucoma, high blood pressure, or an enlarged prostate. If you have diabetes, bladder obstruction, or a heart or thyroid problem, inform the doctor. Follow their advice. Never store Duolin for nebuliser or Duolin inhalers near heat or open flame. The container can burst.

Benefits

Duolin inhalers are practical as well as safe medicine. They work quickly, and they give relief and the effect of these inhalers for several hours. Ipratropium bromide and Levosalbutamol provide quick relief from the symptoms. They are bronchodilators. Bronchodilators work by widening the airway. They help keep the lungs’ airways open. This relieves symptoms like:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest
• Helps to carry out daily activities easily.

Never stop the medication unless your doctor asks you to do so. It is essential to use inhalers correctly. If needed, ask your nurse or doctor to show you how to use them.

Side effects

Every medication has side effects, and so do Duolin inhalers. However, the side effects may vary by a person’s medical condition. Some of the common and mild side effects are

• Dry mouth
•  Nausea
•  Diarrhoea
•  Vomiting
•  Dizziness
•  Headache
•  Constipation
• Sore throat
• Stuffy or runny nose
•  Nervousness
• Irregular heartbeats
•  Pain
•  Sneezing
• Coughing with mucus.
• Local irritation

Some of the severe and uncommon side effects associated with the use of Duolin are:

• Tachycardia
• Spasms of the larynx
•  Glaucoma
•  Urticaria
• Angio-oedema on the face, tongue, and lips
•  Exanthema
•  Palpitations
• blurred vision
• Atrial fibrillation
• Increased intraocular pressure
•  Palpitations,
•  Bronchospasms
• Anaphylactic reactions
•  Mydriasis
• Urinary retention

How to Take Medicine?

If you use inhalers, follow the precautions and info on the labels. Don’t forget to shake the inhalers well before use. Always check the information mentioned on the label. Take the inhalers at the same time each day. This will keep a steady level of the medicine in the body for best results. While taking the inhalers from the mouth, press them down. But press them only once to release the medication. Then hold your breath for 10 seconds.Do this until you inhale the prescribed number of puffs. You must rinse your mouth after using Duolin. This avoids the risk of fungal infection in the throat or mouth.

Warning

Duolin is safe. But, if you’re allergic to it, on other meds, pregnant, or breastfeeding, see a doctor right away. Monitor your potassium level in the blood. You may have low potassium if you are constipated, weak, or have an irregular heartbeat. Please consult your doctor.

Be cautious when using Duolin inhalers. They may cause dizziness. Avoid tasks that require good vision, like operating machines. If you have symptoms like glaucoma or blurred vision, tell your doctor immediately.

Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions

Some patients may experience immediate hypersensitivity; however, that is very rare. This may include pharyngeal oedema, urticaria, bronchospasm, angioedema, anaphylaxis, and rash.

Stop using the medication in case of any such reactions. The doctor may recommend any alternative treatment for COPD.

Deterioration of asthma

Asthma, if it persists longer over several days, may be deteriorating health. If patients need to use their inhalers more than usual, their condition may be unstable. The patients should be diagnosed and re-evaluated. The doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids.

Cardiovascular Effects

Duolin inhalers, like other beta-adrenergic agents, may affect some patients’ hearts. However, at the recommended dose, these effects are rare. However, if your heart rate or blood pressure changes, inform the doctor. He may suggest you stop the medication. In some cases, beta-adrenergic drugs change ECGs. They can prolong QT intervals, flatten T waves, and cause ST depression.

Use the inhalers with caution in patients with:

• coronary insufficiency
• cardiovascular disease
• hypertension
• cardiac arrhythmias

Contraindications

Duolin inhalers are contraindicated in patients with.

• History of hypersensitivity
• Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
• Tachyarrhythmias
• If there is hypersensitivity to atropine.
• If you are on a diuretic or an antidepressant.
• Diuretics

If you are on diuretics and use inhalers, the diuretics’ side effects, like low potassium, can get worse. Do not use inhalers if you take tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Inhalers are recommended only after two weeks off MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants. If the depression is unmanageable, the doctor may try other treatments. If your breathlessness worsens, see your doctor right away.

How it works?

Ipratropium is an anticholinergic drug, and salbutamol is a bronchodilator. Acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter, handles the tightness of breathing tubes. Ipratropium inhibits acetylcholine. It eases breathing by relaxing the airways. Salbutamol dilates the muscles and works by relaxing them. The effect of Duolin inhalers lasts around four to five hours or sometimes longer.

Advise

Diet and lifestyle

Eat potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, and avocados. Inhalers can lower potassium in the blood, which harms the lungs.

To thin the mucus, drink a lot of fluids; the cough will emerge in a short time. Eat a diet of complex carbohydrates, such as beans, quinoa, lentils, barley, and peas.

Avoid or limit the intake of soda, tea, coffee, and drinks like Red Bull.

Eat foods that are rich in protein, such as fish, meat, poultry, and eggs.

Do yoga or breathing exercises. They will strengthen your muscles and boost your immune system. Stop smoking as it may lead to irritation of the lungs and can reduce the effect of inhalers.

Special Suggestion

Avoid contact between the inhaler and your eyes. It may damage the eye nerve and worsen glaucoma. It can also lead to blurred vision and eye irritation.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible; yet, skip the missed dose if it is not possible. Never take a double dose because you forgot one dose.