Seretide Disk (fluticasone + salmeterol)
General information about Seretide Disk
Seretide Disk is a drug prescribed to prevent asthma attacks. It is also used to prevent worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The drug has two active ingredients, namely fluticasone and salmeterol. Fluticasone is a steroid which helps reduce inflammation and prevent it oo. Salmeterol on the other hand helps in relaxing the muscles of the airway. Thus, the drug works by reducing and preventing the inflammation of the airways and relaxing them to prevent flare ups and asthma attacks. However, the drug is not be used to cure immediate asthma attacks.
Precautions/side effects of Seretide Disk
Seretide has the active ingredient fluticasone. Patients allergic to fluticasone and salmeterol should refrain from taking this drug. An allergic reaction to the drug can result in itchiness and redness of the skin and in severe cases cause inflammation of the tongue, lips or face. Other than that, patients with liver disease, thyroid disorder, heart disease or heart blood pressure should take this drug only after due consultation with a physician.
Seretide Disk is also known to react with certain medications such as amiodarone, diuretics, antidepressants such as desipramine, fluoxetine etc., antibiotics such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin etc. and MAO inhibitors such as rasagiline, indinavir etc. Patients on any of these drugs should inform the physician accordingly before taking Seretide Disk.
The drug is also a Category C pregnancy drug. Thus, it may have an adverse effect on the fetus or a newborn child. Pregnant women as well as women who are breastfeeding should take this drug only after due consultation with a qualified physician.
Apart from that, the drug is known to have certain side effects such as headache, stuffy or a runny nose, dry mouth and hoarse voice. However, in certain cases, serious side effects may show up to the drug such as pain in the chest, trouble in breathing, fever, blurred vision, sore mouth or lips, cough, feeling of restlessness etc. If any of these symptoms show up after taking Seretide Disk, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Important safety information
- Prolonged use of Seretide Disk can lead to reduction in bone density. While on this drug, enough calcium should be incorporated in the diet for healthy bones. Adequate exposure to Vitamin D is also necessary while on Seretide Disk.
- Seretide Disk is known to reduce the count of red blood cells in the body and hence weaken the immunity system. Thus, crowded places or places with high germ density should be avoided while on this drug.
- Seretide Disk is known to hamper growth in children in certain cases. A doctor should be consulted before administering this drug to children.
- The drug should not be used in conjunction with other forms of flutcasone or salmeterol unless advised by the doctor.
Dosage of Seretide Disk
Seretide Disk is available in strengths of 100 mcg/50 mcg, 250 mcg/50 mcg and 500 mcg/50 mcg. The prescription dose of the drug varies depending on the exact diagnosis of the patient. The drug is available in powder form in an inhaler. However, it is not to be used with a spacer.
The drug is not be used for treating an immediate asthma attack. It does not work fast enough to treat an immediate asthma attack. Overdose of the drug should be prevented at all costs. In case a dose is missed, it should be had as soon as possible. However, it should not be clubbed with the next dose. Overdose of the drug can cause serious complications such as seizures, pain in the chest, nausea, irregular heart beat etc. which require immediate medical attention.
Storage of Seretide Disk
Seretide Disk should be stored in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. It should not be kept in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature for storage of this drug is between 15 and 30 degree Celsius.
