fluticasone propionate + salmeterol xinafoate at a glance
Medicine class
Inhaled corticosteroid plus long-acting beta2 agonist.
Main role
Regular asthma control when both components are appropriate; selected Accuhaler use also covers defined adults with COPD.
Sudden symptoms
This combination does not replace a fast-acting reliever inhaler.
After inhaling
Rinse your mouth and spit out the water, or brush your teeth, to reduce thrush and hoarseness.
What is fluticasone propionate + salmeterol xinafoate used for?
Licensed uses vary by product and inhaler type.
Asthma: regular treatment when an inhaled corticosteroid alone has not provided adequate control, or when asthma is already controlled with an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2 agonist.
AirFluSal MDI is licensed only for adults with moderate or severe asthma and not for COPD.
Seretide Accuhaler is licensed for asthma in adults and eligible children. It is also licensed for symptomatic COPD in defined adults with reduced lung function, repeated exacerbations and significant symptoms despite regular bronchodilator treatment.
How does fluticasone propionate + salmeterol xinafoate work?
Fluticasone suppresses inflammation in the lungs, reducing airway swelling and sensitivity. Salmeterol relaxes airway muscle and keeps the airways open. Together they address inflammation and persistent airway narrowing.
fluticasone propionate + salmeterol xinafoate preparations and strengths
Inhaled preparation
Route: Inhaled
Strengths: 25 micrograms + 125 micrograms/actuation, 25 micrograms + 125 micrograms/metered dose, 25 micrograms + 250 micrograms/actuation, 25 micrograms + 250 micrograms/metered dose, 25 micrograms + 50 micrograms/metered dose, 50 micrograms + 100 micrograms/dose, 50 micrograms + 250 micrograms/dose, 50 micrograms + 500 micrograms/actuation, 50 micrograms + 500 micrograms/dose
How to take fluticasone propionate + salmeterol xinafoate
Use only by inhalation and follow the instructions for your specific device. An Accuhaler is primed with its lever and the powder inhaled through the mouth. A pressurised MDI requires coordinated, slow inhalation while pressing the canister. A compatible spacer may help with AirFluSal MDI when coordination is difficult, but spacer changes should be reviewed. Rinse and spit or brush your teeth afterwards.
Have your inhaler technique checked periodically.
Clean the device according to its product instructions; wipe Accuhaler mouthpieces with a dry tissue.
Check the device indicator and arrange a replacement before it is empty.
Do not stop suddenly without prescriber supervision.
fluticasone propionate + salmeterol xinafoate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Oral or throat thrush
- Hoarse voice or throat irritation
- Headache
- Muscle cramps, joint pain or muscle pain
- Bruising
- Pneumonia in people treated for COPD
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden increased wheezing or breathlessness immediately after inhalation
- Swelling of the face, mouth or throat, severe breathing difficulty or other signs of anaphylaxis
- Persistent palpitations, marked fast heartbeat, chest pain or fainting
- Severe weakness, vomiting, dizziness or collapse that may indicate adrenal suppression
- New blurred vision or another significant visual disturbance
- Possible pneumonia in COPD, including fever, increased mucus or worsening breathlessness
fluticasone propionate + salmeterol xinafoate in pregnancy
Maintaining good asthma control is important during pregnancy, and prescribed inhalers should not be stopped solely because of pregnancy. Product information reports substantial pregnancy experience without evidence of malformative or fetal or neonatal toxicity, but individual review is still appropriate. Discuss pregnancy or worsening symptoms with your prescriber, asthma team or midwife.
fluticasone propionate + salmeterol xinafoate while breastfeeding
fluticasone propionate + salmeterol xinafoate interactions
Tell your prescriber or pharmacist about all inhaled, prescribed and over-the-counter treatments. Important interactions include:
Ritonavir or cobicistat
These can markedly increase systemic fluticasone exposure, causing adrenal suppression or Cushing-like effects. Combined use usually requires avoidance or specialist management.
Ketoconazole, itraconazole and other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
These can increase exposure to fluticasone and salmeterol, raising the risk of systemic steroid effects, palpitations and QT-interval prolongation.
Common questions about fluticasone propionate + salmeterol xinafoate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this a reliever inhaler?
No. It is regular controller treatment and does not replace a fast-acting inhaler for sudden asthma symptoms.
Why should I rinse my mouth afterwards?
Rinsing and spitting, or brushing your teeth, reduces medicine left in the mouth and lowers the risk of thrush and hoarseness.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.