Seroflo Inhaler (Salmeterol + Fluticasone Propionate)

Introduction of Seroflo Inhaler

Seroflo Inhaler a drug combination that contains SalmeterolXinafoate and Fluticasone propionate. This medication is effective for symptomatic relief and prevention of asthma, chronic pulmonary glands disorders and chronic bronchitis. The drug is used in the prevention and control of symptoms brought about by asthma such as dyspnea (shortness of breath) and wheezing. Salmeterol is a beta antagonist with a long action while Fluticasone is a corticost***d. The drug inhibits asthma attacks in the asthma patients and reduces inflammation in the lungs by unleashing chemicals that opens up the constringed tubes. Seroflo inhaler is a prophylactic drug hence it is not effective when asthma has already commenced.

Uses

Salmeterol is used to treat wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness caused by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; a group of lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema). It is also used to prevent bronchospasm (constriction of air passages) and breathlessness during exercise.Fluticasone is used to control symptoms of asthma, allergies of nose, throat or chest that cause symptoms of stuffy, runny or itchy nose, sneezing and watery, itchy or red eyes, skin problems like itchy rash (eczema), redness and itchiness (psoriasis), inflammation (dermatitis), prickly heat or insect bites in adults or dermatitis in children

How does it work?

The drug contains an active ingredient known as Salbutamol. This ingredient causes relaxation of the constringed bronchioles. It is a beta receptor antagonist with short action that brings about bronchodilator effects. It activates the beta 2 receptors and loosens the smooth muscles of the entire air passages right from the trachea to the end bronchioles. Along with this, it also brings to a halt generation of inflammatory cell mediators which brings about constriction. It also enhances the auto clearing mechanism of the bronchi. Salbutamol also aids in relaxing the constringed bronchioles and promotes the smooth breathing process. On the other hand, the other ingredient in the combination does work by reducing irritation and swelling of the air passages.

When should you avoid taking the drug?

This drug should not be taken if one:

• • Has allergic reactions with any of the ingredients contained in the drug.
• • Is suffering from paradoxical breathing, sudden constriction of air-ways
• • Has a cardiovascular disease such as Hypertension.
• • Is pregnant.
• • Suffers from Myocardial insufficiency.
• • Is an epileptic.
• • Is diabetic.

What is the dosage?

This drug should be prescribed by a Doctor based on the severity and demand of the disease’s condition. Always abide by the doctor’s instructions.

What are the strengths available?

This Salmeterol and Fluticasone combination drug comes with the following strengths combination:

• SerofloAutohaler 25 mcg+250 mcg
• SerofloAutohaler 25 mcg+125 mcg
• Seroflo inhaler 25mcg +250 mcg
• Seroflo inhaler 25 mcg and 50 mcg
• Seroflo inhaler 25 mcg and 125 mcg
• SerofloMultihaler 50mcg +100 mcg
• SerofloMultihaler 50mcg +250 mcg

Who manufacturers the drug?

Cipla, a leading pharmaceuticals manufacturer is the one that manufactures Seroflo Inhalers and Multihalers. The drug can be accessed on our website in an assorted pack sizes as given on the website.

How to take the drug

Caution: Do not swallow Inhalers!

Below are the ways to take this medicine in an appropriate manner:

• Examine the mouthpiece of the inhaler all the time before using it, ensure it is clean and free from dirt.
• Hold the inhaler in a vertical position then shake it well.
• Expel all the air from your lungs by exhaling the air out of your lungs completely.
• Insert the mouthpiece part of the inhaler in your mouth then tighten your lips around it.
• Inhale deeply through your mouth and compress the canister to get gasp of the medicine.
• Take off the inhaler from your mouth then hold your breath for about ten seconds.
• Now exhale through the nose.
• Put back the cap and if need be, take the second dose by doing a repeat of the steps as given above.

When should the medicine be taken?

The medicine should be taken as prescribed by your Doctor. If possible, take the dose at a particular time each day; this will minimize the probability of a missed dose. Generally, 1 or 2 puffs out of your inhaler are efficient to relieve you from the symptoms. Never overdose or under-dose, instead take the prescribed dosage.

This medicine should be taken for how long?

The medicine should be taken for as long as the doctor has recommended. Always consult your doctor before stopping taking the drug or changing the dosage.

What if you take an overdose?

In the event of an overdose, call your doctor or pay a visit to the closest health care center immediately, even if you are not feeling any discomfort. Seek for a medical aid as soon as possible.

What if you miss a dose?

In the event of a missed dose, consult your Doctor. Don’t take double the dose so as to compensate for the missed dose.

What are the side effects?

Every medicine is known to have some side effects; Inhaler is one drug with some mild and severe side effects as well. You may not necessarily experience all of these effects. Some of the commonly experienced side effects are as listed below:

• Restlessness.
• Palpitation.
• Ankle pains.
• Urticaria .
• Fever, pale skin, rashes.
• Hypotension.
• Mild tremors.
• Edema.
• Nose bleeding.
• Nausea.
• Fatigue.
• Dizziness.
• Weakness.
• Sweating.

What are the likely drug interactions?

It is important that you make known to your doctor all the medications you use. This encompasses prescription, vitamin supplements, over-the-counter, and herbal products. Your doctor will give you a list of the drugs you should avoid while taking Inhaler. Below are some of the drugs which interact with Inhaler.

• Telithromycin.
• Xanthenes.
• Digitalis.
• HIV protease inhibitors.
• Diuretics.
• Linezolid.
• Sympathomimetics drugs.
• Beta blockers like Atenolol.
• Boceprevir.
• Azole antifungal such as Ketoconazole.
• Nefazodone.
• Macrolides.

What care should be taken?

• Keep the medicine away from children and in a closed air-tight container.
• Keep off from individuals with infectious ailments such as flu, chicken pox and measles.
• Keep a comprehensive record of all the medicines you are taking alongside this medicine.
• Load the capsule only when you are about to take a dose.
• Be cautious to take the drug while driving because it may cause dizziness or drowsiness.

Avoid consuming alcohol during the medication.

Expert advice

• Do not inhale a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Do not use salmeterol during an attack of asthma or COPD. Your doctor will prescribe a short-acting inhaler to use during attacks.Do not stop using salmeterol without talking to your doctor.
• If you suddenly stop using salmeterol, your symptoms may worsen.
• Do not take salmeterol, If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to salmeterol, Always activate and use the inhaler device in a level, horizontal position. Do not try to use a spacer device with salmeterol.
• To prepare the device for use, open the protective foil pouch and remove the inhaler device. Hold the device in one hand. Use the thumb of the opposite hand to push the thumb grip as far away from you as it will go. The mouthpiece will appear and snap into position.
• Hold the device in a level, flat position with the mouthpiece toward you. Use your thumb to slide the lever away from you as far as it will go. You should hear a click. The device is now ready for use.
• Do not close or tilt the device, play with the lever, or move the lever more than once. You may accidentally release or waste a dose.

Frequently asked questions

Salmeterol
Q. Is salmeterol a st***d inhaler/ a bronchodilator/ beta blocker?
Salmeterol belongs to a class of medications called long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is not a st***d; however it is available in combination with st***ds as an inhaler. It is not a beta blocker.

Q. Is salmeterol the same as albuterol/ salbutamol/ Ventolin /Advair/ Seretride/ Esiflo 250?
Salmeterol (also available as Seretride, Esiflo 250) is different from salbutamol (also known as albuterol, Ventolin). Advair is brand name for salmeterol and fluticasone combination.

Q. How quickly does salmeterol work?
Salmeterol will not work quickly enough to relieve an asthma attack that has already started; it is used for prevention of asthma attack. Your doctor may prescribe another inhaler (a shorter-acting bronchodilator), if you get an attack.

Q. Is salmeterol safe / safe during pregnancy?
Salmeterol is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor. It is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.

Q. Is salmeterol licensed for COPD?
Salmeterol is licensed for the treatment of COPD.

Q. Does Seretide stunt growth/ hoarseness/ increased blood pressure/ weight gain?
Salmeterol (Seretide) is not known to cause stunt growth/ hoarseness/ increased blood pressure/ weight gain. However, if you experience such side effects please consult your doctor.

Fluticasone

Q. Is fluticasone safe in pregnancy?
Fluticasone may cause harm to the fetus. Hence, it is not advisable to take Fluticasone in pregnancy without consulting your doctor.

Q. Is fluticasone an antibiotic/st***d/anti-histaminic/anti-cholinergic drug? Does it contain sulfa?
Fluticasone is a st***d but not an antibiotic/anti-histaminic/anti-cholinerhic/decongestant drug. It is used to treat nasal congestion (decongestant) and other symptoms caused by allergies or conditions like asthma. It does not contain sulfa.

Q. Is fluticasone available over the counter?
No. Fluticasone is a prescription drug. It is not available over the counter.

Q. Is Fluticasone the same as Nasonex/Flonase? Does it contain acetaminophen?
Fluticasone is also available in the branded form as Flonase nasal spray. However, Nasonex consists of another drug called Mometasone also used for treating nasal allergies. Acetaaminofen is a different medication.

Q. Is Seroflo Inhaler safe? Is it used in infants?
Yes. Fluticasone is relatively safe if used as recommended. In case of any side-effects, consult your doctor. It is used for skin allergies in children or infants. Please consult your doctor before use.

Q. What is used for? Is fluticasone used for cold?
Fluticasone (in the form of inhaler) is used to treat symptoms of asthma and nasal inflammation such as coughing, wheezing, blocked nose, runny nose. It is also used as topical cream to treat various skin allergies and infections. It is not used for common cold.

Q. Can I take fluticasone with Benadryl/Sudafed/Zyrtec/ Afrin/Allegra/Mucinex?
Yes. Fluticasone may be taken with Benadryl (diphenhydramine)/Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)/Zyrtec (cetrizine)/ Afrin (oxymetazoline)/Allegra (fexofenadine)/Mucinex (guaifenesin) if prescribed by your doctor.

Q. Does fluticasone propionate cause weight gain/drowsiness/ wakefulness?
Fluticasone may cause weight gain since it is a st***d drug. It may cause drowsiness or wakefulness. If you experience any such symptoms, please consult your doctor.

Q. Is fluticasone addictive?
No. Fluticasone is not an addictive or a controlled/banned substance.

Q. Dose fluticasone cause nose bleeds?
Yes. The most common and expected side-effect of fluticasone nasal spray/inhaler is nose bleeding. If your bleeding is more or does not stop, please consult your doctor.

Q. Can I take fluticasone if I have high blood pressure?
It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking fluticasone if you have high blood pressure.