fluticasone and salmeterol oral inhaler (cont.)
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (for example,
tranylcypromine) and tricyclic antidepressants (for
example, amitriptyline (Endep)] 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 two weeks of
discontinuing monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants.
PREGNANCY: Adequate studies
of fluticasone or inhaled salmeterol during pregnancy
have not been done. Fluticasone use during pregnancy should be
avoided unless the potential benefit justifies the potential but unknown risk to
the fetus. In some, but not all, pregnant animal models exposure to very high
doses of oral salmeterol has led to offspring with birth defects. The
concentrations of salmeterol in the blood after these very high doses, however,
were much higher than the concentrations observed after inhalation. Salmeterol
inhalation should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit
justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if fluticasone propionate is secreted
in breast milk. Other medications in the same class as fluticasone propionate
are secreted into breast milk, but it is not known whether the small amounts
that may appear in the milk have effects on nursing infants. In rats, salmeterol
is excreted in milk. Therefore, caution should be exercised when salmeterol is
administered to nursing women.
SIDE EFFECTS: Upper respiratory tract infections occur in 20%-25% of
patients using Advair Diskus. Headaches occur in about 1 in 8 patients who use
it. Other potential adverse events include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth or
throat candidiasis, and musculoskeletal pain. Use of long acting agents like
salmeterol, an active ingredient in Advair Diskus, may increase the risk of
asthma-related death. Therefore Advair Diskus should only be used in patients
uncontrolled by other agents.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 7/27/2006
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Bronchitis - Learn about bronchitis an inflammation of the lining of the lungs. Bronchitis can be aggravated from colds, cigarette smoking, COPD, and other lung conditions.
- fluticasone propionate nasal inhaler-spray, Flonase, Veramyst - Learn about the nasal spray drug fluticasone (Flonase, Veramyst) used to treat non-allergic and allergic rhinitis and its symptoms like a stuffy and runny nose.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Asthma RSS