Flixotide: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Use

What does Flixotide do?

Flixotide is a drug commonly used to reduce swelling and irritation in the lungs. This drug contains fluticasone, which is classified as a corticosteroid drug.

Flixotide helps to prevent asthma attacks in people who need regular medication.

Because of this, flixotide is sometimes referred to as a "preventative medicine." This medicine must be used regularly every day to prevent asthma from recurring.

How do I use Flixotide?

You can use Flixotide at any time, with or without food.

Use of the Flixotide Evohaler:

• It is important to start breathing as slowly as possible just before using your evohaler.
• Stand or sit upright while using your inhaler.
• Remove the mouthpiece cover. Check inside and outside to make sure that the mouthpiece is clean and free of objects.
• Shake the evohaler 4 or 5 times to ensure that any liquid objects are removed and that the contents of the evohaler are evenly mixed.
• Hold the evohaler upright with your thumbs on the base, under the mouthpiece. Exhale as long as you feel comfortable. Don't take another breath yet.
• Place the mouthpiece in the mouth between your teeth. Squeeze your lips around it. Don't bite it.
• Inhale through your mouth. Once you start inhaling, press down on the top of the bottle to release the puff of medicine. Do this while still breathing steadily and deeply.
• Holding your breath, take the evohaler out of your mouth and remove your fingers from the top of the evohaler. Continue to hold your breath for a few seconds, or as long as you are comfortable.
• If your doctor directs you to inhale two puffs, wait about half a minute before you inhale your next puff by repeating steps 3 through 7.
• Afterward, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out.
• After use, always replace the mouthpiece cover immediately to protect it from dust. Return the cover by pressing and placing it firmly into position.

Use of Flixotide Evohaler or Accuhaler:

• In the box, your Accuhaler comes in a closed foil wrapper. To open this wrapper, tear along the jagged edges, then take the Accuhaler, and remove the wrap. If you have difficulty tearing the foil, do not use scissors or other sharp objects as you could injure yourself or damage the Accuhaler. Ask someone to help you. To open the Accuhaler, hold the package with one hand and place the thumb of your other hand on the thumb grip. Push your thumb away from you as far as possible. You will hear a click sound. This will open a small hole in the mouthpiece.
• Hold the Accuhaler with the mouthpiece facing you. You can hold it with your right or left hand. Slide the lever as far away from you as possible. You will hear a click sound. This places a dose of your medication into the mouthpiece. Each time the lever is pulled away, the blister inside opens and the powder is ready for you to inhale. Don't play with the lever as this will open the blister and waste medicine.
• Hold the Flixotide Accuhaler away from your mouth, exhale as long as you feel comfortable. Don't exhale into your Accuhaler. Don't inhale again just yet.
• Place the mouthpiece in your mouth; inhale steadily and deeply from the Accuhaler by mouth. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as you are comfortable. Exhale slowly.
• To close the Accuhaler, slide the thumb grip towards you, as far as possible. You will hear a click sound. The lever will return to the starting position and reattach. The accuhaler is now ready for you to use again. Afterward, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out.

Usage of Flixotide Nebules:

• The nebules are available in foil packets and for use with a nebulizer. Don't open the pack until you have to use the medicine.
• Grasp the top of the Nebules you removed. Twist the body parts to open them.
• Place the open end of the Flixotide Nebules into the nebulizer bowl and squeeze gently to remove the contents.
• Install the nebulizer and use as directed.
• Repeat steps 2 through 4 to replace doses if needed.

Ask your health care provider any questions you have about how to use each form of medicine.

How do I store Flixotide?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when the drug has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Dose

The following information cannot be used as a substitute for a doctor's prescription. You MUST consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Flixotide.

In what forms is this medicine available?

Flixotide is available as accuhaler, nebules, and evohaler. Each form has the following dosage strengths:

• Flixotide Accuhaler: 50, 100, 250, 500 micrograms of Fluticasone Propionate
• Flixotide Nebules 0.5mg / 2ml, 2mg / 2ml
• Flixotide Evohaler: 125, 250 micrograms of Fluticasone Propionate

What is the dosage for Flixotide for adults?

The dosage of Flixotide varies based on the severity of asthma. The following is the recommended Flixotide dosage for adults:

Evohaler Flixotide / Accuhaler Flixotide

• Mild asthma: the starting dose is 100 micrograms twice per day.
• Moderate to severe asthma: the starting dose is 250 to 500 micrograms twice per day. The highest dose is 1000 micrograms twice per day

Flixotide Nebules

Adults and children over the age of 16:

• The starting dose is 0.5 to 2.0 mg (500 to 2000 micrograms) twice per day.
• Flixotide Nebules 0.5mg / 2ml provides a dose of 500 micrograms.
• Flixotide 2mg / 2ml provides a dose of 2000 micrograms.

What is the dosage of Flixotide for children?

The following is the recommended dosage for children:

Flixotide Accuhaler

Children (ages 4 to 16 years):

• The starting dose is 500 micrograms twice per day.
• The highest dose is 200 micrograms twice per day.
• It is recommended that children being treated with steroids, including Accuhaler Flixotide, should have their height checked regularly by a doctor.

Flixotide Evohaler 125 and 500 micrograms

Not recommended for children under 16 years of age.

Flixotide Nebules

Not recommended for children under 16 years of age.

Warning

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What should I pay attention to before using Flixotide?

Consult your doctor or pharmacist if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, as long as you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should only use drugs recommended by your doctor.
• You use any drugs. This includes any over-the-counter medicines, such as herbal medicines or complementary medicines that you are taking.
• You have an allergy to the active or inactive ingredients of Flixotide or other drugs.
• You have an illness, disorder, or other medical condition.
• You've been treated for tuberculosis.
• You can not tolerate or digest some sugar (have intolerance to some sugars), consult your doctor before using this medicine.

Is Flixotide safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of Flixotide?

Flixotide can cause the following side effects, such as:

• Signs of an allergic drug reaction: rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Nosebleeds that are severe or persistent
• Breathing that sounds, a runny nose, or crusting of the skin around the nostrils
• Redness, sores, or white patches in the mouth or throat
• Fever, chills, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, flu symptoms
• Wounds that don't heal
• Blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights

Less serious side effects can include:

• Headache, back pain
• Light nosebleeds
• Menstrual problems, loss of interest in sexual relations
• Sinus pain, cough, sore throat, or
• Sores or white patches in or around the nose

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some Flixotide side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

What medicines should not be taken at the same time as this medicine?

Flixotide may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which means it can change how the drug works or increase the risk of serious side effects.

To avoid potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you use (including prescription, over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) and tell your doctor and pharmacist.

For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

According to Everyday Health, the following are drugs that may interact with Flixotide:

• other corticosteroid drugs
• antiviral drugs (protease inhibitors)
• drugs used to treat fungal infections
• antidepressant drugs (nefazodone, fluoxetine

Are there foods and drinks that should not be consumed while using this medicine?

Flixotide may interact with food or alcohol by changing the way drugs work or increasing the risk of serious side effects.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist about potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

Are there certain health conditions you should avoid Flixotide?

Flixotide may interact with your health condition. These interactions can worsen your health condition or change the way the drugs work.

It is important to always tell your doctor and pharmacist about any health conditions you currently have, including:

• hyperadrenocorticism
• bacterial, viral, or fungal infection
• herpes simplex
• glaucoma
• cataract
• osteoporosis

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In the event of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I forget to take / take medicine?

If you forget a dose of the drug Flixotide, use it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.