SALMETEROL + FLUTICASONE

Salmeterol + Fluticasone is a medication that is composed of a bronchodilator called salmeterol and a steroid, fluticasone. Salmeterol is a long acting beta 2-agonist that exerts its effects on the lung to bring about bronchodilation. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation associated with asthma.

This medicine is usually given as an inhalation.

Uses

Salmeterol + Fluticasone is used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Warnings

Salmeterol + Fluticasone should not be used in the treatment of status asthmaticus or other new attacks of asthma.

Side Effects

Salmeterol + Fluticasone can bring about the following side effects:

Mouth and throat candidiasis
Throat irritation
Hoarseness/dysphonia
Nasopharyngitis
Lower respiratory tract infections (e.g. pneumonia and bronchitis)
Hypokalaemia
Headache
Tremors
Palpitation
Muscle cramps
Cushing’s syndrome
Cushingoid features
Adrenal suppression
Retardation of growth in children and adolescents
Bone mineral density decrease
Cataract
Glaucoma

Paradoxical bronchospasm

Precautions

Precautions

Take extra caution in patients with the following medical conditions:

Pulmonary TB
Severe cardiovascular disorders
Heart rhythm abnormalities
Diabetes mellitus
Thyrotoxicosis
Hypokalaemia
Patients at risk of decreased bone mineral content (e.g. smoking, old age, sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, family history of osteoporosis or long term use of drugs that may decrease bone mass (e.g. anticonvulsants and corticosteroids)
Pregnancy
Lactation

Interactions

Salmeterol + Fluticasone may interact with the following medicines:

CYP 3A4 inhibitors e.g ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole
Beta -agonists

Overdose & Brands

If you have used Salmeterol + Fluticasone more than the recommended doses, seek medical help immediately.

Available Brands:

Symbicort
Seretide