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Combination Inhalers
Recently, a new product called Advair was FDA approved for asthma but it may also be beneficial in the treatment of COPD. It combines two medications that have been on the market, salmeterol (a longer acting beta2-agonist) and fluticasone (a steroid). Many patients require both medications to help prevent asthma or COPD symtpoms from worsening, but until now were only available as separate inhalers. Advair cannot be used to quickly relieve asthma or COPD symptoms, it is to be taken on a scheduled basis without regard for the symptoms the patient is having at that particular moment.
Another combination inhaler is Combivent. It contains two medications ?albuterol and ipratropium. Albuterol is an inhaled beta-agonist that works in the lungs to open airways and allow for easier breathing. It does this by stimulating the beta-receptors, which are a certain type of receptor located in the lungs, which help regulate constriction and dilation of the airways. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic used in the treatment of COPD to widen the airways by relaxing and opening air passages to the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Drugs in the class
Fluticasone, Salmeterol Inhalation Powder (Advair Diskus Powder for Inhalation)
Albuterol and Ipratropium Inhaler (Combivent) | 
