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fluticasone-salmeterol

Fluticasone and Salmeterol Inhalation: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Fluticasone and Salmeterol Inhalation?

Fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation is a combination medication used to treat asthma that isn't adequately controlled by other asthma medications or when more than one treatment is needed. It's a handy two-in-one solution. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid, working to reduce lung inflammation. Salmeterol, on the other hand, helps open up the airways. This medicine is for regular use, not for quick relief during an asthma attack. While it won't cure asthma, consistent use can make breathing easier by opening up air passages. Importantly, it's not a rescue inhaler for sudden attacks.

Fluticasone and salmeterol can be used alongside other inhaled or oral asthma medications as directed by a doctor. Your doctor will help determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.

Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

Before starting fluticasone and salmeterol, it's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any of the following:

• A recent history of asthma attacks or bronchospasm
• Recent exposure to or infection with chickenpox or measles
• Diabetes
• Heart disease, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or blocked heart vessels
• Immune system problems
• Infections, particularly fungal infections or tuberculosis
• Liver disease
• Osteoporosis or other bone diseases
• Overactive thyroid
• Pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland)
• Seizures
• Allergies to fluticasone, salmeterol, other corticosteroids, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How to Use Fluticasone and Salmeterol Inhalation

Never use this medication to treat an asthma attack. If you experience a severe asthma attack (sudden or worsening cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and/or shortness of breath), seek immediate medical attention. Always keep a quick-relief inhaler (like albuterol) on hand for emergencies.

This medication is inhaled through your mouth. Follow these steps carefully:

• Shake the inhaler well for 5 seconds before each use.
• Prime the inhaler before first use (4 test sprays away from your face). If dropped or unused for 4 weeks, prime with 2 test sprays away from your face.
• Avoid inhaler contact with your eyes.
• Rinse your mouth with water after each use (don't swallow the water) to minimize medication buildup.
• Clean the inhaler at least once a week.
• Never submerge the inhaler in water to check how much medication remains.
• Do not exceed the prescribed dose.

Children may require special dosing instructions. Consult a pediatrician or healthcare provider for guidance on using this medicine in children. This medicine is for your individual use only; do not share it with others.

What if I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never double up on doses.

Potential Drug Interactions

Fluticasone and salmeterol can interact with other medications. Inform your doctor about all medications you're taking, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal products. This includes:

• Arsenic trioxide
• Astemizole
• Bepridil
• Beta-blockers (often used for high blood pressure or heart problems)
• Caffeine
• Certain antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, linezolid, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin)
• Chloroquine
• Cisapride
• Droperidol
• Halofantrine
• Levomethadyl
• Cold and breathing medications
• Heart disease or high blood pressure medications
• MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline)
• Heart rhythm medications (amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)
• Medications for depression or mental illness (amoxapine, haloperidol, maprotiline, pimozide, phenothiazines, risperidone, sertindole, tricyclic antidepressants, ziprasidone)
• Methadone
• Pentamidine
• Probucol
• Some weight-loss medications (including some herbal products, ephedra, ephedrine, dextroamphetamine)
• Steroid hormones (dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone)
• Terfenadine
• Theophylline
• Thyroid hormones
• Water pills or diuretics

Also, let your doctor know about your caffeine and alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and illegal drug use, as these can affect the medication's effectiveness. Always consult your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.

Monitoring Your Condition While Using Fluticasone and Salmeterol

Regular checkups with your doctor are essential to monitor your progress. Carry an identification card with your name, medication details, and your doctor's information. The full effects of this medication may not be noticeable for up to two weeks.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms don't improve. Seek immediate medical attention if your breathing problems worsen rapidly, or if your rescue inhaler is ineffective. Increased rescue inhaler use or decreased effectiveness signals a potential worsening of your lung condition, requiring prompt medical evaluation.

Consistent use of your inhalers is key to managing symptoms. Keep an extra refill on hand to avoid running out. Inform your doctor about exposure to measles or chickenpox, or if you develop slow-healing sores or blisters.

Certain dosages may necessitate adjustments to vaccination schedules. Inform your doctor about your fluticasone and salmeterol use before any vaccinations.

Finally, mention your fluticasone and salmeterol use to your doctor before undergoing any surgery.

Possible Side Effects

Report these side effects to your doctor immediately:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fever or chills
• Skin rash and itching (hives)
• Sore mouth with white patches
• Breathing difficulties or wheezing
• Unusual swelling
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Vision problems
• Vomiting

Side effects that usually don't require immediate medical attention (but report if persistent or bothersome):

• Coughing, hoarseness, throat irritation
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Sore throat
• Upset stomach
• Stuffy nose

Storage Instructions

Keep this medication out of reach of children in a child-resistant container. Store at room temperature (15-30°C or 59-86°F) with the mouthpiece facing down. Keep away from heat or open flames. Discard the canister after 120 sprays.

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