Metered dose inhalers generally are not prescribed for use as quick relief for asthma and other respiratory problems. They are designed to be used over a long period of time. The relief gained from such inhalers may not take effect for some time. They may come in a diskus or a canister, and each provides a specific dose of inhalant per use.
Fluticascone
Fluticasone, marketed as Flovent Diskus, Flovent HFA and Flovent Rotadisk, is a corticosteroid medication used to treat asthma. The Flovent Diskus provides 60 metered doses of 50 micrograms each. It is a powder. Flovent HFA is an aerosol inhalant with 124 doses of 44 micrograms each, but the first four are primer sprays. Fluticascone may produce such side effects as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, a vaginal discharge, eye pain, high blood pressure, hives, impotence, weakness, diabetes, dizziness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, rapid heartbeat, coughing or headaches.
Fluticasone and Salmeterol
Advair is a combination of fluticasone and salmeterol used to treat asthma. It also may be prescribed to make lung function better and for COPD--chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Salmeterol is a bronchodilator and fluticasone is a corticosteroid. The metered inhalers are available in 100, 250 and 500 microgram doses. Side effects may include difficulty seeing, fever, hives, nausea, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, headaches, chills, tearing, swollen glands, abdominal pain, skin darkening, dizziness, diarrhea, depression, lowered libido, palpitations and weight loss or gain. An overdose may produce such symptoms as confusion, seizures, high blood pressure and mood swings.
Flunisolide
Flunisolide, sold as Aerobid, is another corticosteroid medication designed to treat asthma. It is available in 100 metered dose canisters. It may be used by adults and children ages 6 to 15. The dose for adults and children is two inhalations per day, for a total of 1 milligram of flunisolide. Side effects from flunisolide may include chills, weakness, sweating, palpitations, stomach pain, dizziness, eczema, indigestion, congestion, a cough, sinusitis, wheezing, sneezing, hypertension, constipation, hives, acne, insomnia, enlarged lymph nodes, throat irritation, irritation in the nose, depression, anxiety and fatigue.
Beclomethasone
Beclomethasone, sold as Qvar, is a metered dose inhaler along the same lines as Aerobid, Alvesco, Azmacort, Beclovent and Pulmicort. It is a corticosteroid available in 40 microgram or 80 microgram strengths as Qvar. It may cause side effects including difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, stomach pain, fainting, diarrhea, nausea, increased urination, vomiting, numbness, menstrual changes and high blood pressure.
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