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Fostair is a drug designed to combat the symptoms of asthma. It is inhaled through the upper respiratory tract. It works by reducing tissue inflammation, dilating the bronchi and improving the flow of air through the respiratory tract. Fostair is most often used in the regular treatment of asthma as manifested by sudden and paroxysmal bronchospasms.
Fostair – the way it works on the body
Fostair is a very fast acting drug. Patients taking Fostair feel its effects after 1-3 minutes after taking it. The duration of action of Fostair usually lasts for about 12 hours.
Fostair contains two main active substances – beclometasone and formoterol.
- Beclometasone is a medicine that belongs to a group of medicines called glucocorticoids or corticosteroids. It is an anti-inflammatory and antiallergic drug that inhibits or stimulates the influence of genes responsible for causing bronchial inflammation with their protein products. Beclometasone introduced into the body immediately reduces the inflammation of the tissues in the walls of the bronchi, especially in their mucosa. In addition, it inhibits the further development of inflammation and reduces tissue swelling. Importantly, beclomethasone can to some extent reverse the negative anatomical changes that have occurred in the structure of the bronchi due to asthma attacks.
- Formoterol, on the other hand, is a drug belonging to the group of sympathomimetics. It works by stimulating andrenergic receptors located on the surface of tissues. Due to the presence of formoterol in Fostex, this drug can quickly reach deep into the bronchi, where it stimulates the action of the appropriate receptors. By relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchi, it expands their volume, facilitating the breathing process and bringing relief to patients.
Fostair – when to use and for whom is it intended?
Fostair is intended for regular use. It is most often taken continuously, less often as a rescue medication in the event of acute asthma attacks or worsening of its symptoms.
Fostex can be used by adults over 18 years of age and not suffering from allergies to any of the ingredients of the preparation. Fostair is not used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Fostair should not be taken by pregnant women and during breastfeeding. In addition, people with one of the following conditions should stop treatment with Fostair or talk to a doctor about changing the dose of this medicine:
- Hypothyroidism,
- diseases related to the cardiovascular system (hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, tachyarrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, aneurysm, aortic stenosis, prior myocardial infarction, heart failure, heart ischemia),
- adrenal gland tumor,
- glucose intolerance, diabetes,
- hypokalemia.
Taking Fostair before surgery under general anesthesia should be discussed with the anaesthesiologist in advance.
How to take Fostair?
Fostair should be taken as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. The preparation should be taken according to a predetermined dose. If you are on continuous treatment, it is best to take Fostair at the same time each day.
The most frequently recommended doses are 1-2 inhalations a day. The maximum daily limit is 4 inhalations.
Fostair is most often available in two doses: 100 + 6 µg or 200 + 6 µg. In both cases, the same dose of formoterol (6 µg) is administered, while the dose of beclomethasone is changed (100 or 200 µg). The price of the drug after reimbursement is about PLN 20. Regardless of the dose size, there are the same number of doses per pack (180).
Fostex – potential side effects
The most common are:
- muscle tremors
- increased heart rate, palpitations
- Headache,
- sore throat, hoarseness, flu-like symptoms,
- thrush in the mouth or throat.
The following symptoms appear less frequently:
- angioedema in the area of the mouth, tongue, throat,
- shortness of breath, bronchospasm
- lowering blood pressure,
- anaphylactic shock,
- adrenal suppression,
- hypertension,
- inhibition of the organism’s growth rate,
- decrease in bone density,
- cataracts, glaucoma.
If any of the above symptoms occur, please consult your doctor immediately. They may indicate an allergic reaction to any of the components of Fostair.
Avoid taking Fostair while drinking alcohol, which increases the occurrence of side effects.