Advair is an inhaled prescription medication for asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Advair combines fluticasone propionate and salmeterol in an inhaled powder.
Function
Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation. For people with asthma and COPD, inhaled corticosteroids reduce swelling and mucus secretion in the bronchial tubes and make the lungs less sensitive to flare-ups.
Whenever the immune system detects a substance that may cause disease, it sends white blood cells into the area to fight off the invaders. These white blood cells thicken the mucus that lines the lungs, which make breathing difficult. This inflammatory response also makes the lungs more sensitive to other triggers. Corticosteroids stop this influx of white blood cells into the bronchial tubes, which reduces inflammation.
In asthma, the body is reacting to a trigger such as mold, pollen, pet dander or house dust mites. COPD is usually a response to tobacco smoke.
Salmeterol
Salmeterol is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist. These drugs relax the muscles that line the bronchial tubes of the lungs. This makes the airways wider, which makes it easier to breath. Because salmeterol is a long-acting drug, it cannot be used as a rescue inhaler in an acute asthma attack.
Dose
The dose of Advair is one inhalation every 12 hours. Do not take more than one puff at a time, and do not take it more than every 12 hours. Higher doses of Advair are not effective and can harm you.
Side Effects
Advair can make you more likely to get pneumonia. Call your doctor if you develop a cough, fever, trouble breathing or an increase in or color change of sputum. Use of Advair increases the risk of developing osteoporosis and some eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma.
People taking Advair and other corticosteroids will be more susceptible to some viral infections like chicken pox and measles. Contact your doctor right away if you are exposed to these illnesses while taking any corticosteroid.
Advair increases the likelihood that you will develop thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth. Rinsing your mouth with water after using your Advair inhaler can help prevent this from happening.
Drug Interactions
Advair can interact with many HIV drugs, as well as antibiotics like Ketek and Biaxin. Advair should not be taken by people taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers, or some diuretics unless under direct, close supervision of their doctor.
Warnings
People who take salmeterol or other long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists are more likely to experience a fatal asthmatic attack. Advair should only be used by people whose asthma symptoms are not controlled by other medications.
Advair will not stop an acute asthma attack. Your doctor will probably give you a different kind of inhaler known as a "rescue inhaler" for acute attacks. Seek medical attention immediately if your rescue inhaler does not relieve your asthma attack.
People with milk allergies should not use Advair, since it could trigger a severe allergic reaction. Advair should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
References
- Advair Patient Information
- Advair Prescribing Information
- Basic and Clinical Pharmacology; Bertram Katzung; 2007
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