Daily Medication Pearl: Advair Diskus (Fluticasone and Salmeterol)

Medication Pearl of the Day: Advair Diskus (Fluticasone and Salmeterol)

Indication: Advair Diskus is a combination product containing a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist indicated for maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 4 years of age and older and maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction and reducing exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Insight:

• Dosing: Maintenance treatment of asthma in patients ≥12 years: 1 inhalation of Advair Diskus 100/50, 250/50, or 500/50 twice daily. Maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 4 to 11 years: 1 inhalation of Advair Diskus 100/50 twice daily. Maintenance treatment of COPD: 1 inhalation of Advair Diskus 250/50 twice daily
• Dosage forms: Diskus device containing a combination of fluticasone propionate (100, 250, or 500 mcg) and salmeterol (50 mcg) as an oral inhalation powder.
• Adverse events: Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥3%) are upper respiratory tract infection or inflammation, pharyngitis, dysphonia, oral candidiasis, bronchitis, cough, headaches, nausea and vomiting.
• Mechanism of action: Fluticasone propionate is a synthetic trifluorinated corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory activity. Salmeterol is a selective, long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist.
• Manufacturer: GSK

Reference:

Advair Diskus Label (fda.gov)

ADVAIR DISKUS 250-50 MCG-INHAL Dry Powder Inhaler, 14 Blisters (medipond.com)