What is the Salmeterol and fluticasone inhalation?
Fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation is a bronchodilator and steroid combination medication that is used to stop asthma attacks. It can also be used to stop flare-ups and worsening of chronic or obstructive pulmonary conditions (COPD), which are a result of asthma or emphysema. For those suffering from COPD For people with COPD, fluticasone and salmeterol are long-term treatments. For people suffering from asthma, salmeterol and fluticasone are to be used for short-term treatment until symptoms are managed in conjunction with other medications. Advair Diskus is suitable for adults and children who are four years old. The Advair HFA and AirDuo Respiclick are designed for adults and young children who are at least twelve years of age. Salmeterol and fluticasone can also be used to treat conditions that are not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Salmeterol and fluticasone
Seek medical attention immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms that indicate an allergy, such as asthma, hives, or swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face.
Salmeterol and fluticasone can result in serious adverse side effects. Contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:
- Wheezing or choking, or other breathing issues after taking this medication.
- Fever, colds, coughing with mucus, and feeling tired.
- Chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeats, a severe headache, and pounding in your neck or in your ears.
- Tremors, nervousness.
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around light sources.
- Symptoms of thrush (a fungal infection) --sores or white spots in your throat or mouth; difficulty swallowing.
- Blood sugar levels are high—increased thirst, a higher frequency of urination, a dry mouth, and a fruity breath smell.
- Low potassium levels causing leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering of your chest, more frequent urination or thirst, sensation of tingling or numbness, muscles becoming weak or sluggish.
- Symptoms of a hormonal disorder—worsening fatigue and weakness. Also, you may feel lightheaded or nauseated.
Fluticasone can cause growth issues in children. Consult your physician in the event that you suspect your child isn't growing normally with this drug.
Common side effects of fluticasone and salmeterol could be:
- Headache, muscle pain, bone pain, back pain.
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Thrush and throat irritation.
- Persistent cough, hoarseness, or a deep voice.
- Symptoms of a cold like congestion, sneezing, or a sore throat.
- An ear irritation (in a child)—fever, an earache, a sensation of fullness, difficulty hearing drainage from the ear, and a feeling of numbness.
This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Salmeterol and fluticasone are not medicines for emergency use. It is not fast enough to treat asthma attacks or bronchospasm. Get medical attention if you are suffering from more severe breathing issues or if you believe the medications you are taking aren't effective enough.
Before you take this drug
You shouldn't take fluticasone or salmeterol in the event that you have an allergy to salmeterol or fluticasone.
- If you have an extremely allergic reaction to milk protein.
- If you're suffering from attacks of asthma or have severe COPD symptoms.
Fluticasone could reduce your immune system's strength, which makes it more likely for you to develop an infection or worsen an infection that you may have already or recently experienced. Inform your doctor of any infection or illness you have experienced in the last few weeks.
Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Glaucoma or cataracts.
- Heart disease, also known as hypertension.
- A seizure.
- Diabetes.
- A food or drug allergy.
- The immune system is weak.
- Any type of illness (bacterial, fungal, or parasitic).
- A thyroid disorder.
- Kidney or liver disease.
The long-term use and abuse of steroids could result in the loss of bone (osteoporosis), particularly when you smoke, don't exercise, don't have sufficient calcium or vitamin D in your daily diet, or have a history of osteoporosis in your family. Discuss with your physician regarding your risks. Inform your doctor if you are expecting. It isn't known if this medication will affect the unborn child. But if you have asthma that is not treated or controlled during pregnancy, it could result in complications like preterm birth and eclampsia (dangerously elevated blood pressure that could cause medical issues for both the baby and the mother). The benefits of treating asthma can outweigh the risks for the baby. It might not be safe to breastfeed while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about any risks. Avoid giving this medication to a child unless you have medical guidance.
How to take Salmeterol and fluticasone?
Follow the directions on the prescription label and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medicine according to the directions. If you take too much of this medicine, it could cause dangerous adverse consequences. Salmeterol and fluticasone are not treatments for asthma or bronchospasm attacks. For an attack, only use quick-acting inhalation medication. Consult a doctor if your breathing issues get worse rapidly or if you suspect that your asthma medication isn't working as well. Advair Diskus is a powder-based form of salmeterol and fluticasone. It includes a specific inhaler device loaded with blister packs that contain measured doses of the drug. Advair HFA and AirDuo Respiclick both come in a canister that can be used in conjunction with an actuator inhaler device. Take the medication every day. Only use the inhaler device that comes with your prescription. Make sure to shake the inhaler with the Advair HFA inhaler for at least 5 seconds prior to each spray. Do not permit a small child to take this medication without the assistance of an adult. Take note of and follow the instructions that are included with your medicine. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for clarification if you are unsure of these directions. Make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water, but avoid swallowing after every use of your inhaler. Your dosage requirements may change as a result of surgery, illness, stress, or a recent asthma attack. Do not alter the dosage or frequency of your medications without the advice of your doctor. If you are also taking an oral steroid medication, it is not recommended to stop taking it abruptly. Follow the instructions of your physician about the dosage you should be tapering. If you are using an oximeter that you have at home, consult your physician when your results are lower than what is normal. Your vision as well as your bone mineral density might require frequent examinations. Keep your medication at room temperature in a dry, cool place away from moisture, sun, and heat. Avoid extreme heat, open flames, or being inside a vehicle during a hot summer day. Follow all instructions on disposal and storage of your medication. When your asthma is at a level that is manageable, your doctor may ask you to quit using this medication. You should not discontinue the medicine unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Don't miss the dose you missed, and use the next dose at your regular time. Avoid taking two doses at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms can consist of chest pains, a fast heart rate, and a feeling of being shaky or sluggish. In the long run, an inhaled steroid could result in cataracts, glaucoma, and thinning skin. It can also cause changes in the body's fat (especially around the neck, face, back, waist, and face), as well as increased facial hair, acne, menstrual issues, impotence, or a loss of attraction to sexual activity.
What should be avoided?
Beware of those who are sick or suffer from infections. Contact your doctor to get preventive treatment when you've been in contact with chickenpox as well as measles. These illnesses can be very serious and even fatal for people who take steroid medications like fluticasone.
Interaction with other drugs
There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medications simultaneously. Certain medications can alter the blood levels of other medications that you take, which can create side effects or render the drugs less effective. Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, including:
- Antifungal medicine.
- Medicines for treating HIV as well as AIDS.
The list below is not exhaustive, and a variety of other medications could cause harm to salmeterol or fluticasone. This includes both over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal products. The interactions of all drugs are listed here.
