Duolin Inhalation

Duolin general information

What is Duolin used for?

Duolin inhalation solution is used to treat bronchospasm (contraction of the airways) associated with obstructive airways disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for people who are already taking one bronchodilator (airway-opening medication) and need another to relieve their symptoms, including tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath. Duolin inhalation solution should be administered using a suitable nebuliser or an intermittent positive pressure ventilator; it should not be used for injection.

How does Duolin work?

Duolin inhalation solution contains a combination of two medications in a solution. Salbutamol (also known as Albuterol) is a relatively selective short-acting beta2-agonist that acts on all the airways of the lungs from the trachea (windpipe) to the terminal bronchioles (small airways) and works as bronchodilator by relaxing the smooth muscle in the airway walls to widen the airways. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic that acts on specific receptors (muscarinic receptors) in the bronchioles of the lung and inhibits the interaction of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger of the nervous system) with muscarinic receptors, which prevents spasm of the airway wall caused by acetylcholine. The synergistic action (interacting to enhance the action of each other) of the two drugs working together by different mechanisms, reduces bronchospasm (contraction of the airways) to a greater extent than would be provided by each drug alone and increases air flow into the lungs, relieving symptoms of COPD such as tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath. When used with a nebuliser or intermittent positive pressure ventilator, the solution is converted into an aerosol that is inhaled to deliver the correct dose of Duolin inhalation solution into your lungs.

What does Duolin contain?

Duolin inhalation solution contains two active ingredients; salbutamol sulphate 2.5mg (also known as albuterol), a short-acting β2 agonist and ipratropium bromide 500mcg, an anticholinergic, which work together to reduce bronchospasm (contraction of the airways). Duolin inhalation solution also contains sodium chloride, disodium edetate, sulphuric acid, purified water. Each ampoule contains 2.5ml inhalation solution.

Treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with Duolin

Duolin inhalation solution two bronchodilators: salbutamol and ipratropium, which work together to relax the muscles of the airways, reducing bronchospasm (contraction of the airways) and increasing air flow into the lungs. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an obstructive airways disease, with symptoms similar to asthma, including tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath; and is a progressive disease that usually gets worse and needs more than a single medication to relieve symptoms. The synergistic action (interacting to enhance the action of each other) of salbutamol and ipratropium in Duolin inhalation solution reduces bronchospasm to a greater extent than would be provided by each drug alone, helping to prevent and relieve symptoms of COPD.

Duolin for brochospasm

Duolin inhalation solution contains two bronchodilators: salbutamol and ipratropium, which work together to relax the muscles of the airways, reducing bronchospasm (contraction of the airways) and increasing air flow into the lungs. Bronchospasm is a condition of several obstructive airways diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which causes symptoms like tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath. The synergistic action (interacting to enhance the action of each other) of salbutamol and ipratropium in Duolin inhalation solution reduces bronchospasm to a greater extent than would be provided by each drug alone, helping to prevent and relieve symptoms of COPD.

What are the side effects of Duolin?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Duolin inhalation solution include: headache, tachycardia (rapid heart beat), tremor (shaky or tense feeling), dryness of mouth and palpitations. Less common side effects include, cough, mouth or throat irritation, muscle cramps, nausea, blurred vision. Paradoxical bronchospasm is uncommon but can occur in which your inhalation solution worsens your breathing. Also hypokalaemia (low blood potassium) is an uncommon but serious side effect.

When should Duolin not be used?

You should not use Duolin inhalation solution if you:

• are allergic to soybeans, peanuts, or other food products that contain soya lecithin.
• allergic to salbutamol, ipratropium or any of the other ingredients in Duolin
• pregnant or breast feeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have any of the following condition without discussion with your doctor: heart disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure, epilepsy, diabetes, overactive thyroid, liver or kidney disease, glaucoma, enlarged prostate or problems with urination
• taking any medicines that may interact with Duolin Inhalation solution, including: other beta-agonists like pseudoephidrine in cold medications, anticholinergics like atropine; diuretics like furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide; MAOIs like phenelzine; tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline; beta-blockers like atenolol

What medications interact with Duolin?

Several medications interact with Duolin Inhalation solution and should either not be taken while you are taking Duolin or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Duolin: anticholinergics like atropine, other beta-agonists like pseudoephidrine in cold medications,diuretics like furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, MAOIs like phenelzine tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline
• Drugs that affect Duolin: beta-blockers like atenolol
• Drugs that are affected by Duolin: beta-blockers like atenolol

How should Duolin be used?

You should use your Duolin inhalation solution as recommended by your doctor, using a suitable nebuliser (or an intermittent positive pressure ventilator). Duolin inhalation solution should not be used for injection. You should use one ampoule (containing a measured amount of inhalation solution) when required to relieve symptoms, or as directed by your doctor and you can use up to 3-4 ampoules per day. Follow the instructions provided to add the solution to the nebuliser and inhale the aerosol using the nebuliser. You should use your Duolin Inhalion solution for as long as your doctor recommends. One ampoule should provide symptom relief for at least 4 or 5 hours.

How long should you take Duolin?

You should use your Duolin Inhalion solution when you need symptom relief, or as directed by your doctor and for as long as your doctor recommends.

Missed dose of Duolin

If you miss a dose of Duolin Inhalation solution take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Duolin be stored?

Your Duolin Inhalation solution should be stored in a cool dry place below 25°C.