Flixotide – indications, dosage, precautions, side effects. Asthma aerosol, its price and use

Proven content

Flixotide is a preparation intended for the treatment of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Bronchial asthma and diseases of the lower respiratory tract are so troublesome that you need to take great care of their good condition, and you can not be sure about the time of attacks or exacerbations. Asthmatics in severe cases of the disease should not tire out or undergo strenuous physical activity, sometimes even mild stress causes exacerbation and the appearance of symptoms that can be life-threatening.

Flixotide – general characteristics

Flixotide is an ‘inhaler’ and is anti-inflammatory. It belongs to the group of corticosteroid drugs. Flixotide is most often used in the long-term and regular treatment of diseases such as bronchial asthma and COPD.

Flixotide is a prescription medicine that can be purchased either as an inhalation spray or as an inhalation suspension. Treatment with Flixotide works by reducing swelling and irritation of the lower respiratory tract, and by reducing the severity of symptoms and the frequency of asthma attacks.

How are bronchial tubes built and what diseases most often affect them? Check: Bronchi – structure and functions. Bronchial disorders

Flixotide – composition and mechanism of action

Flixotide is an asthma medicine and the active substance is fluticasone. Fluticasone is a synthetic fluorinated corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. The remainder of the drug is 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFA 134a) and a CFC free carrier gas (HFA 134a). Flixotide is for inhalation. The mechanism of action of fluticasone is based on the inhibition of inflammatory symptoms, in particular:

1. hyperemia of mucous membranes;
2. irritation of the mucous membranes;
3. severe itching in the airways;
4. increased secretion of mucus in the respiratory tract;
5. swelling.

The effects of fluticasone, as with other corticosteroids, are mediated through specific receptors found in the cytoplasm of most cells. These receptors, after reacting with the drug, regulate the activity of genes. The action of fluticasone either inhibits or stimulates the activity of genes whose protein products cause inflammation in the body.

The effectiveness of the preparation can be observed within 4-7 days from the start of its application.

How is the respiratory system structured and what should I know about it? Read: Everything you need to know about the respiratory system

Flixotide – drug action

Flixotide is used for respiratory problems. The action of the drug can be characterized as follows:

1. counteracting the inflammatory process that develops in the bronchial wall;
2. reducing the number of inflammatory mediators in the bronchial mucosa;
3. reducing bronchial hyperresponsiveness;
4. reversing changes in the bronchial wall in people with asthma;
5. treatment of allergic rhinitis.

What lung diseases are diagnosed most often? Check: Lung diseases – contemporary challenges

Indications for the use of Flixotide

The Flixotide medicinal preparation can be used in the treatment of bronchial asthma in both children and adults.

In adults, Flixotide is recommended primarily as a preventive measure in the course of severe bronchial asthma. This drug is usually used by patients who require high doses of oral or inhaled steroids. The use of fluticasone in many cases allows for dose reduction or complete discontinuation of oral steroids.

This drug is also indicated for patients who have been diagnosed with mild asthma requiring symptomatic treatment with bronchodilators on a daily basis. Flixotide is also used in the treatment of moderate asthma, the course of which is unstable or worsening.

Flixotide is also indicated for children aged 4 years and older with asthma. This drug is used as a preventive measure in children.

How many patients struggle with asthma? Read on: Asthma is the most common chronic disease in people under 30 years of age

Contraindications to the use of Flixotide

Flixotide is an aerosol intended for use in chronic asthma and other diseases of the lower respiratory tract. In many cases, starting Flixotide allows you to reduce the dose of oral corticosteroids, or even exclude them.

In adults over 16 years of age, it is often used prophylactically, while in children it is added to therapy in the case of exacerbations of bronchial asthma.

Flixotide must not be used by patients who are allergic or hypersensitive to any of the ingredients. In addition, this preparation is not used to stop breathlessness attacks that occur during bronchial asthma – if such complaints occur, consult a doctor who will prescribe medications to dilate and facilitate breathing. Relative contraindications to the use of Flixotide aerosol are also diabetes and pulmonary tuberculosis.

What should I know about breathlessness in asthma? Check: Dyspnoea in bronchial asthma

Flixotide – precautions

Certain precautions should be taken before taking Flixotide, but also during treatment. First of all, remember that:

1. if the symptoms of bronchial asthma worsen or more inhalations are needed, contact your doctor immediately in order to assess the patient’s condition and implement appropriate treatment;
2. this medicine should not be used to stop a sudden attack of breathlessness. In such cases, a fast-acting bronchodilator such as salbutamol should be used. Always be careful not to confuse Flixotide with your ‘reliever inhaler’;
3. periodically consult your doctor about the inhalation technique to make sure that the medicine from the dispenser reaches the patient’s respiratory tract;
4. You should be checked up as long-term treatment with Flixotide may suppress the production of steroid hormones by the adrenal glands. This, in turn, causes bone loss, cataracts, glaucoma, weight gain, high blood pressure and, in the case of children, a slower growth;
5. long-term treatment with high doses of inhaled steroids may suppress the function of the adrenal cortex;
6. people with diabetes should report this fact to their doctor, as the use of Flixotide may increase the level of glucose in the blood;
7. people suffering from active or inactive pulmonary tuberculosis should inform their doctor about the course of the disease;
8. you must not change the doses of the drug yourself;
9. Flixotide is a preparation that should be used regularly for a long time – sudden discontinuation of the prescribed doses may cause symptoms to come back;
10. if you notice that the doses you have been prescribed do not work, consult your doctor who may recommend increasing the dose;
11. like all preparations, it can cause certain side effects: sometimes there is oropharyngeal candidiasis, the treatment of which should be started immediately after diagnosis. Throat irritation, silence and easy bruising are also common.

What is aspirin asthma? Check: Aspirin asthma

How to dose Flixotide?

Correct dosage of Flixotide always consult your doctor. You should not take more than the dose recommended by your doctor, and do not change the dose you have used so far.

Flixotide spray is for inhalation only, and your doctor determines the dose depending on how you respond to your treatment. Your doctor will always choose the lowest dose that will allow you to effectively control and stop the symptoms of asthma. The effects of Flixotide are visible within 4 to 7 days of first use. It is important to take the medicine regularly every day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Dosage of Flixotide for adults and children over 16 years of age:

1. dose from 100 µg to 1000 µg twice daily;

The starting dose depends on the severity of the disease:

1. mild asthma: 100 µg to 250 µg twice daily;
2. moderate asthma: 250 µg to 500 µg twice daily;
3. severe asthma: 500 to 1000 µg twice daily.

Dosage of Flixotide for children 4 to 16 years of age:

1. 50 µg to 100 µg twice daily.

The starting dose for children depends on the severity of the disease. If the above dose does not work, your doctor may decide to increase the dose to 200 µg twice a day.

Dosage of Flixotide for children 1 to 4 years of age:

1. 50 µg to 100 µg twice daily.

For the youngest patients, Flixotide should be administered using a children’s inhalation chamber with a face mask.

What is worth remembering for effective medication? Check: How to take medications effectively?

Flixotide – how to prepare and carry out inhalation?

Flixotide is taken by using an inhaler. The doctor or pharmacist should explain to the patient how to use the inhaler properly and effectively. In addition, the physician should periodically check that the patient is inhaling correctly. Improper use of the inhaler may result in the lack of the expected improvement in the course of asthma.

Before starting inhalation, check the inhaler:

1. before the first use, remove the mouthpiece cover and gently press the sides of the mouthpiece with your thumb and forefinger;
2. then shake the inhaler vigorously and release the dose of medicine into the air, this will allow you to check that the inhaler is working properly;

Using the inhaler is not difficult. However, there are a few important rules to remember:

1. Before using the inhaler, it is a good idea to practice taking slow and deep breaths;
2. inhalation is performed standing or sitting. The vertical position of the body must be maintained during inhalation;
3. remove the mouthpiece cover and check that the mouthpiece is clean on the inside and outside;
4. shake the inhaler several times to evenly mix the preparation;
5. hold the inhaler upright and breathe in and out deeply;
6. put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close it tightly with your lips, but remember not to bite it;
7. once you start to breathe in, press down on the inhaler to release the medicine;
8. after holding your breath, remove the inhaler from your mouth. Holding your breath takes a few seconds;
9. in case of more than one inhalation, wait approx. 30 seconds before repeating the next inhalation;
10. After inhaling, rinse out your mouth and put the mouthpiece cover tightly on to prevent dust and other particles from accumulating on the mouthpiece.

It is also worth remembering to clean the inhaler regularly. This operation should be performed at least once a week. The inhaler is cleaned inside and out with a dry cloth, taking care not to remove the metal container from the plastic housing.

How to choose the best nebulizer for your baby? Check: Nebulizer for children – types, selection of the best. Nebulizer and inhaler [EXPLAIN]

Flixotide and pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the use of each drug should always be consulted with a doctor. The use of Flixotide in pregnant women is restricted to only those considered essential by the doctor. The active substance in Flixotide passes into the breast milk.

Can drugs be used during pregnancy? Check: Pregnancy and medications

Flixotide and other medicinal preparations

Before taking Flixotide, inform your doctor about all medicines you have recently taken, including those obtained without a prescription. It is very important that you tell your doctor about any recently used corticosteroids to help your doctor assess the risk of adrenal gland problems. After initiating inhalation steroid therapy, the dose of oral steroids must be reduced gradually. Treatment with oral steroids must not be stopped suddenly.

Flixotide should not be used concomitantly with Ritonavir and other drugs that strongly inhibit the activity of the cytochrome P3 4A450 isoenzyme (itraconazole, ketoconazole). The combination of these two drugs can increase the plasma concentration of fluticasone, which in turn leads to side effects, including Cushing’s syndrome and suppression of the adrenal cortex.

What drugs should not be combined with each other? Check: Dangerous interactions

Flixotide – possible side effects

Flixotide, like any other medicine, may cause various side effects. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥1 / 10), common (≥1 / 100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1 / 1000 to <1/100), rare (≥1 / 10 to <000 / 1) and very rarely (<1000 / 1).

Very common side effects:

1. oropharyngeal candidiasis;

Common side effects:

1. pneumonia in patients with COPD;
2. the occurrence of hoarseness or silence;
3. easier skin bruising.

Uncommon side effects:

1. cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions.

Very rare side effects:

1. angioedema – mainly swelling of the face, mouth and throat;
2. Cushing’s syndrome, cushingoid facial features;
3. adrenal suppression;
4. slowing growth in children and adolescents;
5. decrease in bone mineral density;
6. cataracts, glaucoma;
7. hyperglycemia;
8. indigestion;
9. arthralgia;
10. epistaxis;
11. paradoxical bronchospasm.

What should you know about undesirable effects of drugs? Check: Adverse drug reactions

Flixotide – availability and price

The price of Flixotide is about PLN 30, depending on the capacity and dose.

Flixotide is available from a pharmacy and can only be obtained with a prescription. Currently, you can buy two types of this drug:

1. 50 µg – inhalation dose, inhalation aerosol, suspension – 120 doses of the drug in an aluminum container under pressure, closed with a dosing valve, provided with a plastic dispenser in a cardboard box;
2. 125 µg – inhalation dose, inhalation aerosol, suspension – 60 or 120 doses of the drug in an aluminum container under pressure, closed with a dosing valve, provided with a plastic dispenser in a cardboard box.

What is worth remembering when buying over-the-counter drugs? Check:Dangerous over-the-counter drugs

Flixotide – other similar preparations

Other preparations that contain fluticasone are:

1. Cutivate – cream drug;
2. Cutivate – a medicine in an ointment;
3. Fanipos – a drug in a nasal spray and suspension;
4. Flixonase – a drug in a nasal spray;
5. Flixonase Nasule – drug in nasal drops and suspension;
6. Flixotide Disk – inhalation powder drug;
7. Flutixon – inhalation powder drug in hard capsules;
8. Flutixon Neb – drug in nebuliser suspension.