fluticasone salmeterol inhaler

Approved for medical use in 2000, the Fluticasone/salmeterol combination medication is used in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is worth noting that Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that works by reducing airway swelling. Salmeterol, on the other hand, works by relaxing and opening the airways to the lungs, making breathing easier. The combination fluticasone-salmeterol basically comes as a powder to inhale by mouth, using a specially designed inhaler, and is usually used twice daily (mornings and evenings). However, this medicine is not to be used to relieve sudden breathing problems, nor does it replace a short-acting bronchodilator. Bear in mind that the most common side effects of fluticasone-salmeterol are runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, sinus pain, headache, upset stomach (including nausea or diarrhea), muscle and bone pain, dizziness, uncontrolled shaking, and difficulties sleeping. It is, however, still unclear if using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is safe.