Advair Diskus Medicine - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

It is an oral inhaler that contains two types of medication. One is fluticasone propionate, a steroid that reduces inflammation in the lungs and the other, salmeterol, is a long-acting bronchodilator that opens up the airways.

Advair Diskus Dosage

*The recommended dosage of Advair Diskus is one inhalation twice daily. You should take the inhalations morning and evening, 12 hours apart.
*It can sometimes be used to control asthma in children 4 to 11 years of age. For these children, only the lowest strength of medication is given.

Uses of Advair Diskus

*Advair Diskus is used as a maintenance treatment for children and adults with asthma.
*If your child is having frequent asthma symptoms, asthma attacks, and/or is frequently using his asthma control or rescue medicines, like Albuterol or Xopenex, then he may need a medicine like Advair.
*It is also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that are associated with chronic bronchitis.
*Salmeterol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Side Effects of Advair Diskus

Advair is usually well tolerated by children.

Before taken Advair Diskus medicine, you should discuss the side effects with your doctor. If any develop or change in intensity, then you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Advair Diskus. Side effects may include:

*Bronchitis
*Cough
*Diarrhea
*Fungal infection of the mouth
*Gastrointestinal discomfort and pain
*Headaches
*Muscle pain
*Nausea
*Sinus problems
*Upper respiratory infection or inflammation
*Vomiting

Warnings and precautions before taking Advair Diskus

*Before using this medication, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
*This product may make you dizzy; so you should use caution engaging in activities that requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
*Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
*Before using this medication, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially if you have high blood pressure, brittle bones, depression, diabetes, eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, heart problems (e.g., angina, irregular heartbeat).
*This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
*Call your doctor immediately if you develop hives, rash, or swelling, or if you have shortness of breath that does not respond to your usual medication. Advair Diskus has been known to cause allergic reactions and acute attacks of asthma or bronchial spasms.

Drug Interaction :-

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) may increase the effect of salmeterol on the heart and blood pressure. Since Advair Diskus contains salmeterol, it should not be used with or within 2 weeks of discontinuing monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants.

If you are taking Advair Diskus with certain other drugs, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of medicine. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Advair Diskus with the following:

*Antidepressants called "monoamine oxidase inhibitors," such as Nardil and Parnate
*Beta blockers (drugs such as Inderal and Tenormin that are used to control blood pressure and treat various heart conditions)
*Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
*Long-acting inhalers such as Serevent and Foradil
*Ritonavir (Norvir)
*Water pills (diuretics) such as HydroDIURIL and Lasix

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a Advair overdose may include:

* Angina or chest pain
* Fast or irregular heartbeats
* Seizures
* Tremor
* Weakness
* Headache
* Nausea
* Vomiting.

By: ashu