Advair Diskus

Other names used:

• Adoair®
• Seretide®
• Viani®

Active Ingredients:

• fluticasone/salmeterol

How does Advair Diskus work and what pharmaceutical group does it belong to?

Advair Diskus is a bronchodilating remedy that contains two active ingredients: Fluticasone and Salmeterol. Salmeterol works by preventing bronchospasm, but fluticasone propionate improves pulmonary function and prevent aggravation.

Salmeterol is an active selective agonist of b2-adrenergic receptors with long-acting effect (up to 12 hours). Pharmacological action of salmeterol provides protection of bronchoconstriction induced by histamine and allows to achieve prolonged bronchodilation. The medication begins acting within 10-20 minutes.

Fluticasone is a potent corticosteroid that exerts potent anti-inflammatory action resulting in decrease of mucous and sputum production, inflammation and swelling.

As the medication does not work quickly, it is not recommended to treat asthma attack. It is used only to prevent asthma attacks.

Which conditions are treated with Advair Diskus?

Adair Diskus is intended to treat bronchial asthma in patients who require a combined therapy consisting of beta2 receptor agonist with long-acting action and inhaled corticosteroid. It is used to prevent asthma attacks in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

What should a patient know before using Advair Diskus?

The Advair Diskus should not be used in cases of:

• Children under 4 years of age
• Hypersensitivity to fluticasone salmeterol combination
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The medication should be used with caution in:

• Lung tuberculosis
• Fungal, viral and bacterial infections
• Thyrotoxicosis
• Diabetes
• Low potassium blood levels
• Pheochromocytoma
• Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Arrhythmia
• Prolonged QT interval
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Osteoporosis

Make sure to let your doctor know that you do not have chickenpox or have not been vaccinated against chickenpox

Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?

The most common Advair side effects include:

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Common cold
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Bronchitis
• Cough
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Other common Advair side effects include: voice changes, fever, menstrual problems, stomach and muscle pain, nasal bleedings, diarrhea, muscle cramps

It is not necessary that the side effects will manifest in an individual but the possibility still exist. For more information please consult your health care provider.

Which groups of drugs or specific preparations may interact with Advair Diskus?

The drug is affected by the following:

• Beta-blockers
• Certain antibiotics
• Certain antifungals
• Diuretics
• Digoxin (cardiac glycoside)
• Mao inhibitors
• Long-acting beta agonists
• Protease inhibitors
• Tricyclic antidepressants

Tell your doctor about all the herbal preparations as well as prescription drugs that you are currently taking even if they are not on the list.

Important information for the patient: Advair Diskus is supplied for individual use. Do not use it to treat other conditions not listed in the leaflet. Keep the product out of children reach. Do not reuse any disposable materials if supplied with the preparation.