Bexitrol F 50/500 Maxhaler

Introduction

Bexitrol F Maxhaler 50/500 is a combination of two medicines that opens the airways and makes it easier to breathe. It is used in the treatment of asthma (wheezing and shortness of breath) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (a lung disorder in which the flow of air to the lungs is blocked). Your doctor will tell you how often you need to use your inhaler. The effect of this medicine may be noticeable after a few days but will only reach its maximum after a few weeks. This medicine must be used regularly to be effective, so go on taking it even if you don't have any symptoms. That means it's doing its job. If you stop taking it your asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) may get worse. It should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (reliever). To get the benefit from this medicine you need to make sure you get your inhaler technique right, otherwise, it does not work as well. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, respiratory tract infection, fungal infections in the mouth, headache, hoarseness of voice, sore throat, cough, musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain, and increased heart rate. If you get there, do not stop taking it but do talk to your doctor. You can help prevent some of these symptoms by rinsing your mouth and throat with water or brushing your teeth after using your inhaler. There are other, rarer side effects which can be serious. Talk to your doctor if you're worried about them. In general, you should be trying to avoid situations that make your asthma worse (your triggers) and try not to smoke. Ask your doctor whether it's safe to take this medicine if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking it, you should tell your doctor if you have any kidney or liver diseases so that your doctor can prescribe a suitable dose for you.

Uses of Bexitrol F Maxhaler 50/500

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Side effects of Bexitrol F Maxhaler 50/500

Common

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Respiratory tract infection
• Fungal infection of mouth
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Hoarseness of voice
• Cough
• Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain
• Increased heart rate

How to use Bexitrol F Maxhaler 50/500

Check the label for directions before use. Shake the inhaler. While you are breathing in from mouth, press down on the inhaler one time to release the medication and hold your breath for 10 seconds. Repeat until you have inhaled the number of puffs as suggested by the doctor.Afterwards, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out.

How Bexitrol F Maxhaler 50/500 works

Bexitrol F Maxhaler 50/500 is a combination of two medicines: Salmeterol and Fluticasone Propionate. Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator which works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and widens the airways. Fluticasone Propionate is a steroid. It works by stopping the release of certain chemical messengers that cause inflammation (swelling) of the airways. Together, they make breathing easier.

Quick Tips

• This medicine is for inhalation only. The tablet should not be swallowed.
• It should be taken at the same time each day.
• It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems. Use your rescue inhaler to control sudden difficulty in breathing.
• Dry mouth may occur as a side effect. Frequent mouth rinses, good oral hygiene, increased water intake and sugarless candy may help.
• Gargle with warm water after each inhalation to avoid any fungal infections in your mouth and throat.
• Take the first dose of this medicine under medical supervision as it may cause wheezing or tightening of the airways (bronchospasm) immediately after using.
• Your doctor may regularly monitor your blood potassium level as low oxygen level in the blood (hypoxia) and medicines such as Bexitrol F Maxhaler 50/250 can lower blood potassium level.
• Only miniscule amounts of Bexitrol F Maxhaler 50/250 may get absorbed into the bloodstream after inhalation. Hence, serious side effects are unlikely.

Brief Description

Indication

Chronic Asthma, COPD

Adult Dose

Inhalation Asthma Adult: As combination containing salmeterol 50 mcg and fluticasone propionate 100/250/500 mcg/dose of inhalation powder: 1 inhalation bid. As combination containing salmeterol 25 mcg and fluticasone propionate 50/125/250 mcg/dose of pressurised inhalation: 2 inhalation bid. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Adult: As combination containing salmeterol 50 mcg and fluticasone propionate 500 mcg/dose of inhalation powder: 1 inhalation bid.

Child Dose

Inhalation Asthma Child: 4-12 yr: As combination containing salmeterol 50 mcg and fluticasone propionate 100 mcg/ dose of inhalation powder: 1 inhalation bid; As combination containing salmeterol 25 mcg and fluticasone propionate 50 mcg/dose of pressurised inhalation: 2 inhalation bid. >12 yr: As combination containing salmeterol 50 mcg and fluticasone propionate 100/250/500 mcg/dose of inhalation powder: 1 inhalation bid; As combination containing salmeterol 50/125/250 mcg and fluticasone propionate 50 mcg/dose of pressurised inhalation: 2 inhalation bid.

Contraindication

Not for primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute attacks of asthma. Severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins.

Mode of Action

Salmeterol, a long acting beta 2-agonist which acts locally in the lung to mediate bronchodilation. Fluticasone, a corticosteroid with mainly glucocorticoid activity, reduce symptoms and exacerbations of asthma.

Precaution

Pulmonary TB, severe cardiovascular disorders, heart rhythm abnormalities, DM, thyrotoxicosis, hypokalaemia. Patients at risk of decreased bone mineral content (e.g. smoking, old age, sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, family history of osteoporosis or long term use of drugs that may decrease bone mass (e.g. anticonvulsants and corticosteroids). Do not stop therapy abruptly; therapy should be down titrated. Advise patient to rinse mouth after inhalation. Monitor height of children on prolonged therapy. Pregnancy, lactation.

Side Effect

>10% Upper respiratory tract infection (21-27%),Headache (12-21%),Pharyngitis (10-13%) 1-10% Candidiasis, nonspecific site (0-10%),Throat irritation (7-9%), Musculoskeletal pain (2-9%), Bronchitis (2-8%),Upper respiratory inflammation (4-7%),Viral respiratory infections (4-6%),Nausea or vomiting (4-6%),Cough (3-6%),Sinusitis (4-5%),Hoarseness or dysphonia (2-5%),Fever (3-4%),Diarrhea (2-4%),Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort or pain (1-4%),Oral candidiasis (1-4%),Muscle cramps or spasms (3%),Malaise or fatigue (2-3%),Viral GI infections (0-3%) Potentially Fatal: Paradoxical bronchospasm.