Flutrol 250 Mcg Inhaler

FLUTROL 250 MCG INHALER

Name: Flutrol 250 Inhaler Manufacturer: Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Composition: Flutrol 250 Inhaler is a combination medication containing two active ingredients:

• Fluticasone Propionate (250 mcg)
• Salmeterol (25 mcg)

Uses: Flutrol 250 Inhaler is prescribed for the long-term maintenance treatment of:

• Asthma: To prevent and control symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A lung disorder encompassing conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, where airflow is blocked, leading to breathing difficulties. It is important to note that this inhaler is a controller medication and is not intended for immediate relief during acute asthma attacks or sudden breathing problems. A fast-acting rescue inhaler should be used for such instances.

Dosage and Administration:

• Flutrol 250 Inhaler is for inhalation purposes only.
• It should be used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor, typically once or twice daily.
• For ease of remembering, it is recommended to use it around the same time every day.
• Do not stop using the medicine even if your symptoms improve, as early discontinuation may cause symptoms to reoccur.
• After each use, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out to help prevent fungal infections in the mouth and throat (oral thrush).

Side Effects:

• Common Side Effects: Soreness in the mouth, throat, or tongue, cough, headache, hoarse voice, upper respiratory tract infection, nasal inflammation, sinus inflammation, stomach discomfort, oral candidiasis (fungal infection in the mouth), dizziness, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, joint pain, increased heart rate, rash, insomnia, nervousness, nosebleed, and bruising.
• Serious Side Effects: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions (such as sudden wheezing, severe skin rash, itching, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, breathing difficulties, sudden fast heartbeat), or signs of pneumonia (fever, chills, increased cough, increased breathing difficulties, excessive and colored mucus production).

Precautions:

• Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Fluticasone propionate, Salmeterol, or any other ingredients of this medicine.
• Not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age.
• Use with caution if you have a history of hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels), seizure disorders, thyrotoxicosis (overactive thyroid), cardiovascular disorders, high levels of adrenal hormones (hyperadrenocorticism), active infections, ocular herpes infection, osteoporosis, diabetes, or liver impairment.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using this medicine.
• Inform your doctor about all other medicines, including herbal supplements, you are taking, as Flutrol 250 Inhaler can interact with antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), and tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline).
• Regular monitoring of blood potassium levels is recommended during treatment.
• This medicine may cause dizziness or blurred vision; exercise caution when driving or operating heavy machinery.

Storage: Store Flutrol 250 Inhaler at room temperature (20-25°C), away from heat and light. Keep it out of the reach and sight of children and pets.

What is Flutrol 250 Inhaler used for?

Flutrol 250 Inhaler is a combination medication primarily used for the long-term management and prevention of symptoms associated with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It helps to relieve symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, breathing difficulties, and coughing. This medicine is not intended for the relief of sudden asthma attacks, but rather for regular maintenance treatment.

How does Flutrol 250 Inhaler work?

Flutrol 250 Inhaler contains two active ingredients: Salmeterol and Fluticasone Propionate. Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, which helps to widen them and makes breathing easier. Fluticasone Propionate is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation (swelling and irritation) in the airways by stopping the release of certain chemical messengers that cause inflammatory reactions. Together, these actions improve airflow to the lungs and help prevent asthma attacks and COPD exacerbations.

What is the usual dosage for Flutrol 250 Inhaler?

The usual dosage for adults and children 12 years of age and older is typically one inhalation twice daily, in the morning and evening, with doses taken at least 12 hours apart. Each inhalation of Flutrol 250 Inhaler contains 250 micrograms (mcg) of Fluticasone propionate and 25 mcg of Salmeterol. It is crucial to use the inhaler exactly as prescribed by your doctor and not to exceed the recommended dose, as doing so will not provide additional benefits and may increase the risk of side effects.

What are the possible side effects of Flutrol 250 Inhaler?

Common side effects of Flutrol 250 Inhaler can include headache, sore throat, cough, hoarse voice, and fungal infections in the mouth or throat (oral thrush). Other reported side effects may include upper respiratory tract infections, muscle cramps, joint pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and an increased heart rate. Rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water and spitting it out after each use can help prevent fungal infections. If any side effects become severe or persist, it is important to inform your doctor.

Is Flutrol 250 Inhaler safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

It is important to manage asthma or COPD during pregnancy as breathing difficulties can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby. For pregnancy, Flutrol 250 Inhaler (which contains fluticasone and salmeterol) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks, and after consulting with your doctor. While animal studies have shown harmful effects on developing babies, inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone are generally considered safe during pregnancy because very little of the medicine gets into the bloodstream and to the baby.

Regarding breastfeeding, information on the use of Flutrol 250 Inhaler is limited. However, inhaled corticosteroids are generally considered acceptable during breastfeeding as the amount that passes into breast milk is likely small and not expected to cause problems for a breastfed infant. Always consult your doctor before using this medicine while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can it be taken with other medications?

Flutrol 250 Inhaler can interact with certain medications. Concomitant use with some blood pressure-lowering medicines (such as propranolol, atenolol), diuretics, certain medicines for fungal and bacterial infections (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin), and antiviral medicines (e.g., ritonavir, cobicistat-containing products) should be done with caution. These interactions can potentially increase the blood levels of the active ingredients in Flutrol 250 Inhaler or worsen side effects. It is important to inform your doctor about all ongoing medications, including herbal supplements, before starting this treatment.

What precautions should be taken?

Several precautions should be taken when using Flutrol 250 Inhaler:

• Always use the inhaler exactly as prescribed and do not stop using it without consulting your doctor, as symptoms may reoccur or worsen.
• Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each use to prevent fungal infections (oral thrush).
• This inhaler is for maintenance treatment and should not be used for sudden, acute asthma attacks. Always carry a fast-acting rescue inhaler for such emergencies.
• Inform your doctor if you have other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disorders, low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia), osteoporosis, or eye problems like glaucoma or cataracts.
• Use with caution if you have active infections, as this medicine can suppress the immune system.
• Regular monitoring of blood potassium levels may be recommended as the medicine can potentially lower them.
• If you experience worsening symptoms or severe difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Flutrol 250 Inhaler, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine or double the dose to make up for a missed one.

How should it be stored?

Flutrol 250 Inhaler should be stored at room temperature, away from excessive heat and direct light. It should also be kept out of the reach of children and pets.