Fluticasone and Salmeterol

Fluticasone and salmeterol is used to treat airway spasms caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by opening up the airways so that more air can get into and through the lungs. The medication comes in two forms -- as a Diskus or as an inhaler. Generally, it is taken twice a day, with about 12 hours in between doses.

Fluticasone and Salmeterol (Advair)

What Is Fluticasone and Salmeterol?

Fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair^®) is a prescription medication used to treat airway spasms (called bronchospasms) caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to prevent these spasms from occurring in people with asthma.

Fluticasone and salmeterol comes in two forms, the fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation powder (marketed as Advair Diskus^®) and fluticasone and salmeterol inhalation aerosol (marketed as Advair^®HFA). Advair Diskus is approved for both asthma and COPD, while the Advair HFA inhaler is approved only for asthma.

(Click What Is Fluticasone and Salmeterol Used For? for more information on what fluticasone and salmeterol is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with fluticasone and salmeterol. However, not everyone who takes this product will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well.

When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

Common side effects of fluticasone and salmeterol include but are not limited to:

Upper respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold)
Headaches
A sore throat
Bronchitis
Coughing
Nausea and vomiting.

(Click Side Effects of Fluticasone and Salmeterol to learn more, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)

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