Medication Combo: An Overview of Fluticasone and Salmeterol, and Their Therapeutic Uses
People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are already taking medication or supplements should notify their doctor before starting a new treatment that includes fluticasone and salmeterol, as these medications can interact with certain substances.
These combination drugs, available in inhalers such as Advair Diskus and AirDuo RespiClick, belong to two separate classes of drugs: corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator (beta-2 agonist). Fluticasone helps reduce inflammation of the airways, while salmeterol relaxes the muscles around the airways.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that doctors only prescribe fluticasone and salmeterol if other medications are ineffective in controlling a person's symptoms. The medication is used to treat the symptoms of asthma and COPD, but it is not intended for relief of acute asthma attacks.
Dosages for fluticasone and salmeterol vary by age and condition. For instance, adults and adolescents (12 years and older) with asthma and COPD typically take 1 inhalation of Advair Diskus 250/50 mcg twice daily for COPD, while dosing for asthma often starts at different strengths depending on severity. Children between 4 and 11 years old may start with a lower strength, and children younger than 12 years cannot use AirDuo RespiClick, while children younger than 4 years are not typically recommended dosing beyond safety concerns.
When treating asthma with Advair Diskus, common side effects include oral thrush, cough, changes in the voice, nausea and vomiting, headaches, upper respiratory tract inflammation, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, and pharyngitis. When treating COPD with Advair Diskus, common side effects include oral thrush, throat irritation, changes in the voice, headaches, musculoskeletal pain, viral respiratory infections, pneumonia, and pharyngitis. Common side effects of AirDuo RespiClick include oral thrush, common cold, cough, headaches, and back pain.
People living with other underlying medical conditions should talk to their doctor about the potential benefits and risks of taking this combination medication. The inhaler should be stored in a cool, dry area and the mouthpiece should be kept clean to limit the possibility of infections. After taking a dose of fluticasone and salmeterol, a person should gargle with a small amount of water and spit it out.
If a person experiences mild or moderate side effects while taking fluticasone and salmeterol, they should see their doctor. However, if they experience a severe allergic reaction after taking the medication, with symptoms including skin rash or hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, dizziness or fainting, stomach pain or bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, uterine cramps, an impending sense of doom, or if they or their child takes too much of the medication, they should seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Fluticasone and salmeterol may interact with certain heart or blood pressure medications, antifungal medications, tricyclic antidepressants, a class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), certain antiretroviral medications, and other medications. Before taking this medication, a person should tell their doctor about any medications or supplements that they are currently taking.
Experts consider fluticasone and salmeterol safe and effective as long as a person takes the medication according to their doctor's instructions. The medication is available as both a powder and an aerosol that people take via an inhaler. It is not suitable for people with a severe milk protein allergy, people who are allergic to fluticasone, salmeterol, or any of the ingredients that the medication label lists, or people who have certain health conditions.
In conclusion, fluticasone and salmeterol are combination medications used to manage the symptoms of asthma and COPD. Dosages vary by age and condition, and it is crucial to follow the specific prescribing information and physician's directions. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, always consult your healthcare professional.
- UserSeekers should consult their doctors before becoming treaters of fluticasone and salmeterol, especially if they have chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, as these medications can interact with other substances.
- Having established themselves as a class of medication for respiratory conditions, fluticasone and salmeterol combine to create a corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator, offering relief for people living with asthma and COPD symptoms.
- Medical-condition personas considering a switch to fluticasone and salmeterol for their treatment should be aware of potential interactions with other medications, including certain heart and blood pressure medications, antifungal drugs, and antidepressants.
- The science of dosage for fluticasone and salmeterol considers the age and severity of the condition for persons with asthma or COPD, with children typically needing lower doses and younger children not recommended for certain inhalers.
- Health-and-wellness literature on fluticasone and salmeterol highlights common side effects such as oral thrush, cough, changes in voice, and respiratory tract infections, encouraging users to seek medical advice if these symptoms become persistent or severe.
- As chronic diseases like asthma and COPD can coexist with other medical conditions, it is essential for treaters to discuss the potential benefits and risks of fluticasone and salmeterol with their healthcare professionals.
