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Duolin

Also called ipratropium + salbutamol

Key points about Duolin

Duolin is used to treat conditions where breathing is a problem, such as COPD.
Ipratropium + salbutamol sounds like 'ip-ra-TRO-pee-um' and 'sal-BYOO-ta-mol'.
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

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Duolin is a combination of two medicines, ipratropium and salbutamol, mixed together in a puffer or inhaler. The combination is used to treat conditions where breathing is a problem, such as COPD, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. They work by relaxing and opening up the air passages, making breathing easier and improving shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing.

Duolin belongs to a group of medicines known as bronchodilators or relievers (it is called a reliever medicine because it quickly relieves your breathing problems).

Using an inhaler device enables the medicine to go straight into your airways when you breathe in. This means that your airways and lungs are treated, but very little of the medicine gets into the rest of your body.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Duolin® is available as an inhaler and nebulising solution. Nebulisers are used when using an inhaler is not suitable. The information on this page is about Duolin inhaler. Read more about nebulisers.

The usual dose of the Duolin inhaler is 2 puffs 4 times a day. You should not use more than 12 puffs in any 24 hour period.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to use, how often to use it and any special instructions.

Use your MDI with a spacer

A spacer is an attachment to use with your inhaler. It's a chamber that holds the medication before you inhale, giving you a more controlled, deeper inhalation. This can be especially helpful if you are short of breath.
Using your MDI with a spacer makes it easier to use the inhaler and helps to get the medicine into your lungs, where it’s needed (with less medicine ending up in your mouth and throat).
Read more about spacers.

Check your technique

To get the most benefit from your inhaler, it's important to use the correct technique.
Ask your healthcare provider to show you how to use your MDI and spacer devices.
Even if you’ve been shown before, ask your healthcare provider to explain how to use your inhaler if you still have any questions.

The videos below provide some guidance on how to use a spacer with your MDI. Note: Your MDI or spacer may look different to the one in the videos below.

Video: How to use your spacer device

(Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ and Auckland District Health Board, 2018)

Video: MDI and spacer

(Asthma Waikato, NZ, 2018)

Like all medicines, Duolin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Feeling shaky Nervousness Tremor Headache Muscle cramps Problems sleeping	These are quite common when you first start using salbutamol + ipratropium and usually go away with time. Tell your doctor if they bother you.
Headache Dry mouth Sore throat A change in voice (hoarse voice) A different taste in your mouth Difficulty urinating (peeing)	These may go away with time. If you have problems with a dry mouth or a different taste in your mouth, rinse your mouth after each dose. Tell your doctor if they bother you.
Constipation (difficulty passing poos) or diarrhoea (runny poos)	Tell your doctor.
Changes in your heartbeat (faster) Chest pain	Tell your doctor immediately or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Sudden worsening of breathing problems and you are using salbutamol + ipratropium very often	Tell your doctor immediately or phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.