fluticasone propionate + formoterol at a glance
Medicine class
Inhaled corticosteroid plus long-acting beta2 agonist (ICS/LABA).
Licensed use
Regular maintenance treatment of asthma; not licensed for COPD.
Inhaler type
Press-and-breathe pressurised metered-dose inhaler containing a suspension and an integrated dose indicator.
After use
Rinse or gargle with water, or brush the teeth, then spit out the residue.
What is fluticasone propionate + formoterol used for?
Licensed for regular asthma treatment when an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2 agonist combination is appropriate.
Asthma not adequately controlled by an inhaled corticosteroid with an as-required short-acting bronchodilator.
Asthma already adequately controlled using an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2 agonist.
It is not licensed for COPD.
How does fluticasone propionate + formoterol work?
Fluticasone activates glucocorticoid receptors to reduce airway inflammation and sensitivity. Formoterol stimulates beta2 receptors, relaxing airway smooth muscle and opening the airways. This inhaler is not intended to treat an acute attack.
fluticasone propionate + formoterol preparations and strengths
Inhaled preparation
Route: Inhaled
Strengths: 50 micrograms + 5 micrograms, 125 micrograms + 5 micrograms, 250 micrograms + 10 micrograms/actuation
How to take fluticasone propionate + formoterol
Use by oral inhalation as prescribed and have your technique checked by a healthcare professional.
Shake immediately before every actuation because the inhaler contains a suspension.
Sit or stand upright, breathe out comfortably, then begin a slow, deep breath through the mouth while pressing the canister. Continue inhaling steadily and hold your breath for as long as comfortable.
Rinse or gargle with water, or brush your teeth, then spit out the residue.
Prime as directed before first use, after at least three days without use, or after exposure to freezing conditions.
If coordination is difficult, the product information specifies the AeroChamber Plus Flow-Vu spacer.
Clean the mouthpiece with a dry cloth or tissue. Do not put the metal canister in water.
fluticasone propionate + formoterol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache, tremor, dizziness or sleep disturbance; classified as uncommon in product studies.
- Hoarse voice, throat irritation or dry mouth.
- Palpitations or awareness of an irregular heartbeat; classified as uncommon in product studies.
- Mouth or throat thrush; classified as rare.
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden worsening of wheeze or breathlessness immediately after inhalation.
- Facial, tongue or throat swelling, widespread rash, faintness or breathing difficulty.
- Chest pain, sustained fast or irregular heartbeat, marked weakness or muscle twitching.
- Severe weakness, vomiting, low blood pressure, confusion or seizures, which may indicate adrenal suppression.
- New blurred vision or another persistent visual disturbance.
fluticasone propionate + formoterol in pregnancy
Good asthma control remains important during pregnancy, so prescribed treatment should not be stopped without review. Data for this fixed combination are limited; it should be considered only when the expected maternal benefit outweighs possible fetal risk. Discuss pregnancy, plans for pregnancy or worsening asthma promptly with the asthma clinician or maternity team.
fluticasone propionate + formoterol while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether either component enters human milk. Treatment and breastfeeding benefits should be considered individually. Inhaled corticosteroids, including fluticasone, are considered compatible with breastfeeding full-term healthy infants, but the complete combination should be reviewed with a prescriber, particularly for a premature or unwell infant.
fluticasone propionate + formoterol interactions
Tell the prescriber and pharmacist about all prescribed, non-prescribed and inhaled products. Important interactions include:
Potent CYP3A inhibitors, including ritonavir, cobicistat, ketoconazole, itraconazole and clarithromycin
May increase systemic fluticasone exposure and corticosteroid adverse effects.
Beta-blockers, including timolol eye drops
Can oppose formoterol and provoke severe bronchospasm.
Other long-acting beta2 agonists
May cause additive beta-agonist effects and should not be used concurrently.
Common questions about fluticasone propionate + formoterol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this a preventer or reliever inhaler?
It is regular maintenance treatment and should not replace the prescribed rapid-acting reliever for an acute asthma attack.
Why should I rinse my mouth after using it?
Rinsing or gargling and then spitting helps reduce hoarseness, throat irritation and oral thrush.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.