Fluticasone and Salmeterol

A healthcare provider may prescribe fluticasone and salmeterol to treat airway spasms caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The medication works by opening up the airways so that more air can get into and through the lungs. Fluticasone and salmeterol comes in two forms -- as a Diskus or as an inhaler. Generally, the medication is taken twice a day, with about 12 hours in between doses. Before taking fluticasone and salmeterol, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking.

 

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.)
 

Who Makes Fluticasone and Salmeterol?

Fluticasone and salmeterol is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
 

How Does Fluticasone and Salmeterol Work?

Fluticasone and salmeterol contains two different medications -- fluticasone and salmeterol. Salmeterol is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short. Beta agonists stimulate beta receptors in the body, including those on the muscles around the airways. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which opens up the airways and allows more air to get into and through the lungs.
 
The other component of the medication is fluticasone, an asthma medication that belongs to a group of drugs called inhaled corticosteroids, or steroids for short. Inhaled steroids go directly into the lungs and help to decrease the inflammation of airways that makes asthma attacks more likely.
 
Because fluticasone and salmeterol does not work quickly, it should not be used for treating an asthma attack. Rather, it is used twice a day in order to prevent asthma attacks.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;