Duolin Forte Box Of 200md Metered Dose Inhaler

Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler contains a combination of ipratropium and levosalbutamol as an active ingredient. It is used to treat difficulty in breathing, coughing and whistling sounds while breathing which are the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a disorder where your lung is damaged, making the passage of air in the lungs difficult.

This medicine blocks the effect of substances that produces tightening of air tubes in the lungs and relaxes them. A patient who has diabetes, glaucoma, prostate or heart problems should cautiously use this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding about all the medicines, supplements or herbs you take and all the conditions or diseases you suffer from or suffered before starting this medicine.

Refer to the direction of use information leaflet provided along with the Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler before starting the treatment.

Dosage

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital

Missed a Dose

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• COPD is a common lung problem that produces damage to the lungs over the period. This condition produces symptoms like coughing with mucous for a long time and eventually leading to breathing difficulties.
• Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler works by the anticholinergic effect of Ipratropium and the bronchodilator effect of Salbutamol.
• Few chemical substances (Acetylcholine) released in the body are responsible for the tightness of breathing tubes.
• Ipratropium blocks the effect of this substance and decreases the tone of breathing tubes, thus making breathing easier.
• Salbutamol acts mainly on smaller lung tubes and dilates them by relaxing the muscles.

Directions for Use

• Use Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler exactly as directed by your doctor. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
• Read the instructions on the label or leaflet before use.
• Shake the inhaler.
• You should not take more puffs than that told by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I use Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler during pregnancy?

• There is limited information about the effects of this medicine in human pregnancy. However, your doctor may give you this medicine only if it is really needed and the advantage overweighs the risk. Please consult a doctor before using any medicine.

Breast Feeding

Can I use Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler while breastfeeding?

• It is unknown if the components of this medicine pass into breast milk. Hence, you should not breastfeed while taking this medicine. You should consult your doctor before using this medicine during breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have used Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler?

Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler may cause dizziness and blurring of vision, you should avoid driving if you do not feel well or are unable to be alert.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler?

Alcohol intake along with the use of this medicine can make you more dizzy or drowsy, thus you should avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You are suffering from any heart problems.
• You have problems with your liver or kidney.
• You have diabetes.
• You have glaucoma.
• You have high blood pressure.
• You had or have fits.
• You have an overactive thyroid gland.
• You have difficulty passing urine due to bladder problems or an enlarged prostate (mostly in men).
• You are suffering from a condition called cystic fibrosis. It increases the chances of getting stomach disturbances if you use Duolin Forte with it.
• The chances of side effects increase significantly in the elderly population, so elderly patients should be cautious while using this medicine.
• Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler is not recommended for use in children less than 12 years old.

Contraindications

• 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
• If you are below 12 years of age (as there is no information on safety)

Side effects

• Headache, dizziness
• Cough, runny nose
• Nausea, vomiting
• Stomach pain, indigestion, constipation
• Dry mouth, sore throat
• Shakiness, nervousness
• Muscle pain or cramps
• Breathing problem
• Palpitations, chest pain
• Blurred vision
• Skin rash, itching, swelling

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• 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.

Storage and disposal

• Store Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler below 25°C in a clean and dry place, protected from moisture, sunlight and heat.
• Keep the medicine away from children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler used for?

Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhalers uses are to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) and its symptoms are sneezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, etc.

How does Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler work?

• Duolin Forte Metered-Dose Inhaler is a combination of two medications, Ipratropium and Levosalbutamol.
• Ipratropium decreases the resistance in breathing tubes in the lungs, while Levosalbutamol relaxes the smaller airway tube muscles so that more air reaches the lungs. Thus, it is useful in relieving symptoms of COPD like coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulties.

Does this medicine contain steroids?

No, this medicine does not contain steroids. It contains Ipratropium and Levosalbutamol which relaxes the muscles of the airways in the lungs.

Does Duolin Forte provide immediate relief in a sudden acute asthma attack?

No, it is not used to relieve sudden breathing problems. You should always keep your rescue inhaler readily available if sudden shortness of breath occurs.

Are there any side effects of Duolin Forte?

Duolin Forte side effects may include headache, dizziness, cough, runny nose, nausea, vomiting etc. Although not everyone gets them. These side effects usually resolve with time.