1. Product Overview
The Fluticasone-Salmeterol inhalant powder is a medication designed to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It functions by assisting in the opening of the lung's airways, thereby facilitating easier breathing. This product combines an inhaled steroid with a bronchodilator and is commonly referred to as a controller inhaler. It is important to note that this medication is not intended for the treatment of sudden asthma attacks or acute COPD flare-ups.

Image: Fluticasone-Salmeterol Dry Powder Inhaler device. This image displays the compact design of the inhaler, typically featuring a mouthpiece and a dose counter.
2. How to Use This Medication
This medication is administered by inhalation through the mouth. After each use, rinse your mouth with water, ensuring not to swallow the water. Administer the medication as prescribed on the prescription label, at the same time daily. Do not exceed the directed frequency of use. The product includes specific instructions for use. Consult your pharmacist for guidance on proper usage. Carefully review all provided information. If you have any questions, contact your pharmacist or healthcare team. Discuss the use of this medication in children with your healthcare team. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years for certain conditions, specific precautions apply.
3. Possible Side Effects
It is important to be aware of potential side effects. Contact your healthcare team immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue.
- Heart rhythm changes: Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing.
- Increase in blood pressure.
- Low adrenal gland function: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness.
- Muscle pain or cramps.
- Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet.
- Sinus pain or pressure around the face or forehead.
- Thrush: White patches in the mouth.
- Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use.
Side effects that typically do not require immediate medical attention (report to your healthcare team if they persist or become bothersome):
- Change in taste.
- Cough.
- Dry mouth.
- Headache.
- Hoarseness.
- Sore throat.
- Tremors or shaking.
- Trouble sleeping.
4. Medication Interactions
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate.
This medication may also interact with the following:
- Aminophylline or theophylline.
- Antivirals for HIV or AIDS.
- Beta blockers, such as metoprolol or propranolol.
- Certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, linezolid, and telithromycin.
- Certain medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole.
- Conivaptan.
- Diuretics.
- Medications for colds.
- Medications for depression or mental health conditions.
- Nefazodone.
- Vaccines.
5. Setup Instructions
Before first use, ensure the inhaler is ready for administration. Follow these general steps:
- Unpack: Remove the inhaler from its packaging.
- Inspect: Visually check the inhaler for any damage or loose parts. Do not use if damaged.
- Prime (if applicable): Some dry powder inhalers require priming before the first dose. Refer to the specific instructions provided with your device to determine if priming is necessary and how to perform it. This usually involves releasing a certain number of doses into the air.
- Check Dose Counter: Verify that the dose counter displays the correct number of doses (e.g., 60 actuations).
6. Operating Instructions
Follow these steps for proper administration of the dry powder inhaler:
- Prepare the Dose: Hold the inhaler upright. Open the cap or twist the base as instructed by your specific device to load a dose. You may hear a click, indicating the dose is ready.
- Exhale Fully: Breathe out completely, away from the mouthpiece, to empty your lungs as much as possible. Do not exhale into the inhaler.
- Inhale the Dose: Place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Inhale deeply and steadily through your mouth. Continue to inhale for as long as comfortable.
- Hold Breath: Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or for as long as comfortable.
- Exhale Slowly: Breathe out slowly.
- Rinse Mouth: Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out. Do not swallow the water. This helps prevent oral thrush.
- Close Inhaler: Close the cap or twist the base back to its original position to protect the mouthpiece and prepare for the next dose.
- Check Dose Counter: Ensure the dose counter has advanced by one.
7. Maintenance and Storage
Proper maintenance and storage are crucial for the effectiveness and longevity of your inhaler:
- Cleaning: Generally, dry powder inhalers do not require washing with water. If cleaning is necessary, gently wipe the mouthpiece with a dry cloth or tissue. Do not use water or other liquids, as this can damage the device.
- Storage: Store the inhaler at room temperature, away from moisture and direct heat. Keep it in its original packaging until ready for use to protect it from environmental factors.
- Keep Dry: Ensure the inhaler remains dry. Moisture can cause the powder to clump and prevent proper dosing.
- Expiration: Do not use the inhaler past its expiration date, even if doses remain.
- Disposal: Dispose of the inhaler responsibly once all doses have been used or it has expired. Consult local regulations for proper medication disposal.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your inhaler, consider the following:
- No Powder Sensation: Dry powder inhalers deliver a very fine powder, and you may not feel or taste it. This is normal. As long as the dose counter advances, the dose has likely been delivered.
- Dose Counter Not Advancing: Ensure you have fully completed the dose preparation step (e.g., twisting the base until it clicks). If the counter still does not advance, the device may be faulty. Do not attempt to force it.
- Difficulty Inhaling: Ensure your mouth forms a tight seal around the mouthpiece and you are inhaling deeply and steadily. If breathing difficulties persist or worsen, seek immediate medical attention.
- Inhaler Damage: If the inhaler appears damaged, do not use it. Contact your pharmacist for a replacement.
- Symptoms Not Improving: If your respiratory symptoms do not improve or worsen after using the medication as directed, contact your healthcare team.
9. Specifications
- Product Name: Fluticasone-Salmeterol Inhalant Powder
- Form: Dry Powder Inhaler
- Strength: 55 MCG Fluticasone / 14 MCG Salmeterol
- Actuations: 60 Actuations per device
- Model Number (ASIN): B0848NHZDJ
10. Warranty and Support
For specific warranty information or technical support regarding this medication device, please refer to the documentation provided by your pharmacy or the manufacturer. In case of questions about the medication itself, consult your prescribing physician or pharmacist.