Duoneb Breathing Treatment

Inhaling testers for asthma.

DuoNeb is a prescription breathing treatment used to prevent air flow blockage, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and chest tightness, which are associated with conditions that affect the lungs and breathing airways.

Benefits

DuoNeb, a bronchodilator, can be inhaled as a powder or liquid through a nebulizer or aerosol canister. It is prescribed to treat symptoms of lung diseases, which include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma, according to Drugwatch. The two medications in DuoNeb--albuterol and ipratropium--work by relaxing and opening the air passages to the lungs allowing maximum relief, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Dosage

When using a nebulizer, a mask is placed over the mouth for 5 to 15 minutes, or until mist in the chamber begins to dispel. A patient using an aerosol should not take more than 12 puffs in 24 hours.

Precautions

Do not use DuoNeb near a flame or heat source. Patients allergic to albuterol or ipratropium should not use DuoNeb. Read all written directions that come with the inhaler or nebulizer.

References

• Drugwatch: DuoNeb
• National Institutes of Health: Ipratropium and Albuterol Inhalation

Resources

• American Lung Association: COPD