Manufacturer: Cipla Ltd
Salt Composition : Levosalbutamol(50mcg), Ipratropium(40mcg)
Your doctor will tell you how often you need to use your inhaler. The effect of this medicine may be noticeable after a few days but will only reach its maximum after a few weeks. This medicine must be used regularly to be effective, so go on taking it even if you don't have any symptoms. That means it’s doing its job. If you stop taking it your COPD may get worse. This medicine should not be used to relieve sudden shortness of breath. If sudden shortness of breath occurs, use your rescue inhaler. To get the benefit from this medicine you need to make sure you get your inhaler technique right, otherwise, it Does not work as well.
Duolin Forte Inhaler works by relaxing muscles and widening the airways of the lungs. Thereby, it allows to breathe easily and provides relief from the symptoms of COPD such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Levosalbutamol elicits an equal or slightly larger response than an equivalent dose of the racemic mixture. This is probably due to competitive inhibition between the enantiomers at beta-adrenoceptors. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships for levosalbutamol show relatively large interindividual variations.
Ipratropium bromide is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The bioavailability of the drug by inhalation is 0.03–6.9%, and about 90% of the inhaled dose is swallowed. Following the inhalation of 2 mg, the bioavailability was found to be 6.9%. The bioavailability of the intranasal dose is less than 20%.
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Duolin
Dryness in mouth
Breathlessness
Cough
Tremors
Headache
Palpitations
Muscle cramp
If you are allergic to Ipratropium or Levosalbutamol or any other ingredients of Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler.
If you are allergic to atropine or its derivatives.
If you have any problems with your heart.
Duolin Forte Inhaler may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Duolin Forte Inhaler may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Duolin Forte Inhaler is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Duolin Forte Inhaler is used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (a lung disorder in which the flow of air to the lungs is blocked). It helps in relaxing the muscles of the air passages and making it easier to breathe. It relieves coughing, wheezing and feeling short of breath.
Concomitant use of Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler along with medicines used to treat psychiatric illness (Amitriptyline, selegiline, etc.) or medicines used to treat asthma (Albuterol, Epinephrine) should be avoided as it may alter the effects of this medicine.
Concomitant use of this medicine with beta-blockers like Propranolol, Labetalol, etc. (used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems), may decrease the effectiveness of Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler.
Concomitant use of this medicine with water pills like Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide may decrease the potassium level in the body which leads to heart rhythm abnormalities. Your doctor may advise the monitoring of blood potassium levels.
Other medicines like Digoxin (used to treat heart problems), Xanthine preparations like Theophylline (used in asthma) and should be used cautiously.
Shake the inhaler. While you are breathing in from mouth, press down on the inhaler one time to release the medication and hold your breath for 10 seconds.
Store below 30°C
If you miss a dose of Duolin Forte Inhaler, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Duolin Forte Inhaler is a combination of two medicines that makes breathing easier for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
This medicine is for inhalation only. The tablet should not be swallowed.
It should be taken at the same time each day.
It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems. Use your rescue inhaler to control sudden difficulty in breathing.
Dry mouth may occur as a side effect. Frequent mouth rinses, good oral hygiene, increased water intake and sugarless candy may help.
Gargle with warm water after each inhalation to avoid any fungal infections in your mouth and throat.
Take the first dose of this medicine under medical supervision as it may cause wheezing or tightening of the airways (bronchospasm) immediately after using.
Your doctor may regularly monitor your blood potassium level as low oxygen level in the blood (hypoxia) and medicines such as Duolin Forte Inhaler can lower blood potassium level.
Only miniscule amounts of Duolin Forte Inhaler may get absorbed into the bloodstream after inhalation. Hence, serious side effects are unlikely.
Check the label for directions before use. Shake the inhaler. While you are breathing in from mouth, press down on the inhaler one time to release the medication and hold your breath for 10 seconds. Repeat until you have inhaled the number of puffs as suggested by the doctor.Afterwards, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out.
Q. Are there any medicines which I should avoid while taking Duolin Forte Inhaler?
It is not recommended to use Duolin Forte Inhaler along with other medicines, such as anticholinergic, beta-adrenergic agents, beta-blockers, diuretics, digoxin, MAO inhibitors or anti-depressants.
Q. Will Duolin Forte Inhaler be more effective if taken in higher doses?
No, taking a higher than the recommended dose of this medicine will not make it more effective, rather can lead to increased side effects. If the symptoms do not get relieved by the recommended doses, please consult the doctor for re-evaluation.
Q. Can the use of Duolin Forte Inhaler cause sleepiness or drowsiness?
Yes, Duolin Forte Inhaler may make you feel drowsy or sleepy. Avoid driving, operating machinery, working at heights, or participating in potentially dangerous activities at the beginning of your treatment until you know how the medicine affects you. Inform your doctor if you experience such episodes while you are taking this medicine.
Q. Can the use of Duolin Forte Inhaler cause dry mouth?
Yes, the use of Duolin Forte Inhaler can cause dry mouth. If you experience dry mouth, drink plenty of water. Take regular sips during the day and keep some water by your bed at night.
