Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol
About Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol
Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol is an inhaled prescription medicine used to manage and prevent symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works to treat long-term airway inflammation and constriction, helping you breathe more easily over time. This medicine is a preventive treatment and is not meant to stop sudden breathing emergencies.
To get the full benefits, you must use this medicine consistently as directed by your prescriber, even on days when you feel completely fine. Because the medication is inhaled directly into the lungs, its use is not dependent on meal times and can be taken with or without food. Combining this treatment with lifestyle adjustments like quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke will significantly improve your daily breathing.
While taking this medicine, you may experience mild common side effects such as a sore throat or a hoarse voice. However, you should contact your doctor right away if you experience severe symptoms like chest pain, a fast heartbeat, or signs of a fungal infection in your mouth.
Before starting this treatment, talk to your doctor if you have a history of high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, thyroid conditions, or active infections. Do not take this medicine if you have a severe allergy to milk proteins or are allergic to any of its components.
Certain medications like beta-blockers or strong antifungal treatments can interact with this inhaler, and smoking can reduce its effectiveness. Always consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an elderly individual.
Uses of Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol
Medicinal Benefits
Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol helps provide long-term control of asthma and other chronic respiratory symptoms, helping you breathe more comfortably throughout the day and night. Supporting healthy airway function helps improve daily activities and overall quality of life. Benefits may include:
- Helps improve breathing and maintain better lung function.
- Reduces symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
- Provides sustained control of respiratory symptoms throughout the day and night.
- Helps reduce the frequency and severity of asthma or breathing flare-ups.
- May decrease reliance on quick-relief rescue inhalers.
- Supports uninterrupted sleep and helps reduce the risk of hospital visits related to worsening respiratory symptoms.
Directions for Use
To ensure the medication reaches your lungs effectively, you must use your inhalation device correctly. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.
- Exhale fully through your mouth, pushing as much air out of your lungs as possible.
- Place the mouthpiece of the inhaler between your lips, closing them tightly to form a complete seal.
- Inhale deeply and steadily through your mouth while triggering the device to release the medication.
- Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable, to allow the medicine to settle in your lungs.
- Remove the device from your mouth and breathe out gently.
- Immediately rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out; do not swallow the water.
Rinsing your mouth after every dose is highly important as it helps prevent dryness, hoarseness, and fungal infections in the mouth and throat.
Storage
Side Effects of Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Hoarseness, voice changes, or throat irritation
- Headache
- A mild cough
- Fungal infection in the mouth or throat (thrush)
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Sudden, severe wheezing or breathing difficulty immediately after taking a dose
- Chest pain, a fast or pounding heartbeat, or irregular heart rhythms
- Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or a worsening cough with yellow or green mucus
- Changes in vision, including blurred vision or eye pain
- Severe muscle cramps or trembling
Medicines Containing this Salt
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Drug Warnings
- Keep a rescue inhaler available: Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol is a maintenance medicine and should not be used to treat a sudden asthma attack. Always carry a fast-acting rescue inhaler for emergency symptom relief.
- Monitor your inhaler supply: Check the built-in dose counter regularly to ensure you do not run out of medication unexpectedly.
- Rinse your mouth after each use: Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after every dose to help prevent oral thrush and voice hoarseness.
- Handle the inhaler correctly: Do not submerge the inhaler in water. Keep the mouthpiece clean by wiping it regularly with a dry, clean tissue.
- Seek immediate medical attention for worsening breathing: Stop using the medicine and get emergency medical help if your breathing suddenly worsens, or if you experience severe wheezing or chest tightness immediately after inhalation.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions
- Beta-blockers: Medications used to treat high blood pressure or heart problems can block the actions of this medicine, causing your airways to narrow and trigger breathing difficulties.
- Antifungal medicines: Treatments like ketoconazole can increase the level of the steroid component in your body, raising the risk of systemic steroid side effects.
- Diuretics: Certain water pills can interact with this medication, potentially causing your blood potassium levels to drop.
Drug-Food Interactions
- No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions
- Heart conditions: If you have high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, or heart disease, the bronchodilating component can increase your heart rate or blood pressure.
- Diabetes: This medication can occasionally cause blood sugar levels to rise, requiring closer monitoring of your diabetes management plan.
- Infections: Because this medicine contains a corticosteroid, it may reduce your body's ability to fight off infections, particularly active tuberculosis or fungal eye infections.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol with alcohol is unknown. However, as a precautionary measure, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorThe safety of Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, it is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol is excreted in human milk. It is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedFluticasone Propionate+salmeterol usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionUse Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding using Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol in patients with kidney problems, please consult your doctor.
Children
unsafeFluticasone Propionate+salmeterol is not recommended for children below 12 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established. However, please consult a doctor before giving Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol to children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid triggers: Stay away from known respiratory irritants, including tobacco smoke, wood smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and strong perfumes.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help thin mucus in your lungs, making it easier to clear.
- Monitor air quality: Check local air quality forecasts and limit outdoor activities on days with high pollen counts or high pollution levels.
- Practice breathing techniques: Speak with a doctor or physical therapist about exercises like pursed-lip breathing to help improve your lung efficiency.
- Prevent infections: Keep up to date with recommended vaccinations, including the annual flu shot and pneumonia vaccines, to protect your lungs from severe infections.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may regularly monitor your blood potassium level as low oxygen level in the blood (hypoxia), and medicines such as Salmeterol+Fluticasone Propionate can lower blood potassium level.
- Be advised to carry an inhaler prescribed by your doctor to use in a sudden asthma attack.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: It is a breathing problem in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty breathing.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make breathing difficult. The most common COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Emphysema: It is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath.
Chronic Bronchitis: A lung disease associated with inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs.
FAQs
Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol is used to treat and prevent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) like bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes) and emphysema (shortness of breath).
Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol contains salmeterol and Fluticasone propionate. Salmeterol works by relaxing muscles and widening the airways of the lungs. Fluticasone propionate works by acting inside the nasal lining cells and stops the release of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammatory reactions. Thereby relieving sneezing, runny or blocked nose, and sinus discomfort and making breathing easier.
No, you are not recommended to take sotalol with Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol as it may reduce the effectiveness of both medicines. Also, sotalol may trigger asthma attacks or worsen breathing problems by narrowing airways. However, please consult a doctor before using other medication with a Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol.
Yes, the Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol may cause fungal infection in the mouth as a side effect. It is not necessary for everyone taking Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol to experience this side effect. However, to avoid such side effects, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after using Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol every time.
Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol is a combination medicine used to treat and prevent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) like emphysema (shortness of breath) and bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes).
Yes, Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol contains an inhaled corticosteroid that targets and reduces swelling inside the airways, combined with a long-acting bronchodilator that keeps the airway muscles relaxed. Talk to your doctor.
Rinse your mouth and/or brush your teeth after using Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol to prevent oral infections such as thrush and hoarseness. Use Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol exactly as advised by the doctor to ensure that the medicine works properly in managing your symptoms. Consult the doctor before using other medicines during treatment with Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol to prevent unpleasant side effects.
No, you should not stop taking this medicine suddenly. If you stop, your airway inflammation and breathing difficulties are likely to return. Always consult your healthcare provider before stopping. Talk to your doctor.
Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol is a controller medication. It is designed for long-term use to help control and prevent asthma and COPD symptoms rather than providing immediate relief during an acute attack.
Yes, Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol may increase heart rate. Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol contains formoterol, a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), it opens airways by activating receptors in the lungs. But it can also activate receptors in the heart, which may cause palpitations or a quicker heartbeat in some people.Consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
The side effects of Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol include nausea, low fever, vomiting or irregular heartbeat,stomach upset, nervousness, muscle and bone pain, sinus pain, sleep problems, chesttightness, vomiting or irregular heartbeat. Consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
No, Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol is not addictive. It is not a habit-forming medication.
No, Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol will not be more effective if taken more frequently. Increasing the dosage or frequency can increase the risk of side effects. So, take this medication as prescribed by the doctor.
If you miss a dose take Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Avoid taking two doses at once.
Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol should be inhaled by using an inhaler. Hold the inhaler upright and place the mouthpiece between your teeth without biting it. Begin to breathe slowly through your mouth. As you do, press down on the top of the inhaler to release a dose of the medication while continuing to inhale deeply. Once you have finished inhaling, remove the inhaler and hold your breath for as long as is comfortable. Then, breathe out slowly. If a second puff is needed, wait about one minute before repeating these steps. After use, close the mouthpiece with the cover to keep it clean and free from dust.
Consult the doctor before starting Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol if you are diabetic as the corticosteroid present in this medicine may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. Regularly monitor blood sugar levels while using Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol.
Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol can be stored in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. Keep it out of sight and reach of children.
No, Fluticasone Propionate+salmeterol is a controller medicine designed for daily prevention. It will not work fast enough to stop an active asthma attack. Always use your quick-acting rescue inhaler for sudden breathing emergencies. Talk to your doctor.
Rinsing and spitting washes away any leftover medicine from your mouth and throat. Swallowing the water can increase the amount of medicine absorbed into your body, which raises the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor.
You may notice some improvement in your breathing within a few days, but it can take several weeks of consistent, daily use to experience the full benefits. Talk to your doctor.
You should only use this medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the benefits to you outweigh the potential risks to your baby. Talk to your doctor.
If your daily breathing does not improve or seems to get worse after starting this medicine, do not increase your dose on your own. Contact your healthcare provider to re-evaluate your treatment plan. Talk to your doctor.
Yes, one of the components can sometimes cause a temporary increase in heart rate, a fluttering sensation, or mild shaking. If these symptoms are severe or do not go away, contact your healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor.
