When used together, these medications can ease thehyperresponsivenessof airways and help to stave off anasthma attack.
Uses
Combination inhalers are used to control asthma symptoms and ward off asthma attacks.
Though Advair Diskus also contains salmeterol, the dose is far smaller and is considered safer for ongoing use.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
That is not to suggest a combination inhaler is a one-size-fits-all-solution.
These effects are tempered somewhat by inhaled corticosteroids, allowing LABAs to be delivered at smaller doses.
In some cases, treatment may need to be stopped if symptoms worsen.
No combination asthma inhaler is inherently “better” than another.
How to Take and Store
MDIs and DPIs have pros and cons.
MDIs deliver accurate doses and are easy to use, but require hand-breath coordination.
Learning how to use a gadget properly can help you reap the optimal benefits.
Do not submerge the canister in water.
Keep out of reach of children or pets.
Do not use an inhaler or any medication past its expiration date.
Side Effects
As with any medication, combination asthma inhalers can cause side effects.
Many of these are relatively mild and will gradually resolve as your body adapts to treatment.
Let your healthcare provider know if any side effect is severe, persists, or worsens.
Common
Common side effects are largely the same between the different inhalant formulations.
The risk of oral thrush can be reduced by using a spacer with a MDI.
LABAs are responsible for this effect, although the exact cause of the reaction is poorly understood.
Paradoxical bronchospasms appear to affect people with severe airway inflammation who use an inhalant for the first time.
People who experience paradoxical bronchospasm should not be rechallenged with the same drug.
Still, young children should be monitored as the long-term use of a combination inhaler may impair growth.
The risks appear greatest among toddlers withsevere persistent asthma.
There are a number of common drugs and drug classes known to interact with combination asthma inhalers.
This competition can slow the rate at which a drug is cleared from the body.
Current research has shown that the combined use of a LABA and corticosteroid poses no such harm.
GlaxoSmithKline.Advair HFA (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation aerosol), for oral inhalation use.
Food and Drug Administration.Airsupra label.
Mylan.Wixela Inhub (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder), for oral inhalation use.
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009019.pub2
Robles J, Motheral L.Hypersensitivity reaction after inhalation of a lactose-containing dry powder inhaler.J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther.
