Flixotide is a brand name for fluticasone – a drug also known as corticosteroids prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. It is a prescription-only medicine. Flixotide the respiratory system protects against overstimulation. This medication reduces hypersensitivity reactions in the lungs and reduces inflammation. Flixotide is taken by inhalation and is available in two types of inhalers:
- Flixotide Evohaler and
- Flixotide Accuhaler Inhaler.
Flixotide Accuhaler is available in three strengths:
- Flixotide Junior Accuhaler 100 micrograms fluticasone propionate in a blister pack
- Flixotide Accuhaler 250 micrograms fluticasone propionate in a blister pack
- Flixotide Accuhaler 500 micrograms fluticasone propionate in a blister pack
The Flixotide formulation contains the active substance fluticasone and lactose powder as an inactive ingredient (containing milk proteins).
Flixotide uses
Inhaled fluticasone propionate provides prophylactic treatment for asthma.
- Mild or Light Asthma (Adults): Patients who regularly need symptomatic intermittent bronchodilator treatment for asthma.
- Moderate asthma (adults): patients with unstable asthma or deteriorates despite prophylaxis or bronchodilator alone.
- Severe asthma (adults): Patients with severe chronic asthma and patients who depend on systemic corticosteroids to control symptoms adequately. With the introduction of inhaled fluticasone propionate, many of these patients can significantly reduce or eliminate their need for oral corticosteroids.
Is Flixotide a Preventor?
Fluticasone, which is taken by inhalation, is known as “Preventer”. This is because it is taken regularly every day to reduce inflammation in the lungs and prevent asthma attacks. Symptoms usually improve four to seven days after the start of treatment. However, it is important to use this medication regularly even after an improvement in the symptoms of asthma to prevent a recurrence.
How does Flixotide work? (Mechanism Of
Action)
Flixotide contains the active substance fluticasone propionate, a type of medication known as a corticosteroid. When fluticasone is inhaled into the lungs, it is absorbed into the cells of the lungs and respiratory tract. Here, it prevents the release of certain chemicals from the cells. These chemicals are important for the immune system and are normally involved in the production of immune and allergic reactions that lead to inflammation. By reducing the release of these chemicals into the lungs and airways, inflammation is reduced.
In asthma, the airways shrink due to inflammation and can also be blocked by mucus. This makes it difficult to get in and out of the lungs. By preventing inflammation and excessive mucus formation, fluticasone helps prevent asthma attacks. It is not used to treat an asthma attack.
Side Effects of Fluticasone (Flixotide)
This medication may cause side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Vomit
- Indigestion (Very Rare)
- A headache,
- Painful tongue
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Husky voice;
- A sore throat
- Raised blood sugar level (Very Rare)
- Hypersensitivity reactions such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, and anaphylaxis may occur.
- High doses and rarely normal doses can suppress the adrenal glands and affect their ability to produce natural cortisone.
Avoid using This drug and consult your doctor if you are allergic to fluticasone or any other ingredient in this medicine; or if you have a viral infection and if you have tuberculosis.
Flixotide during pregnancy
- It should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women without consulting a doctor.
Flixotide Dose (Fluticasone)
- For adult patients with mild asthma, a typical starting dose is 100 micrograms twice daily. In moderate and more severe asthma, starting doses may need to be 250 to 500 micrograms twice daily. Where the additional clinical benefit is expected, doses of up to 1000 micrograms twice daily may be used. The initiation of such doses should be prescribed only by a specialist in the management of asthma (such as a consultant physician or general practitioner with appropriate experience). The dose should be titrated down to the lowest dose at which effective control of asthma is maintained.
- For Children, over 4 years of age the typical doses will be 50 to 100 micrograms twice daily.
- Many children’s asthma will be well controlled using the 50 to 100 microgram twice-daily dosing regimen. For those patients whose asthma is not sufficiently controlled, additional benefit may be obtained by increasing the dose up to 200 micrograms twice daily. The maximum recommended dose in children is 200 micrograms twice daily.
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