Do you know what Flixotide is for? Instructions for use of this medication, its indications, composition, side effects and release form will be described in detail below. In addition, we will tell you about whether this drug has contraindications, what will happen in case of an overdose, what pharmacological properties it has, and so on.
The composition and form of release of the drug
In what form can I buy the drug "Flixotide", the instructions for use of which must be attached to the tool? Currently, this medication is sold only as an inhaled aerosol. The main active ingredient is fluticasone microionized propionate. Also, the drug includes such an additional component as tetrafluoroethane.
The medicine is produced in a metal inhaler, which has a concave bottom and a metering device equipped with a nebulizer. Inside the container is a suspension of white or almost white. When buying this product, you should definitely pay attention to the surface of the inhaler. Its valve should not have visible defects.
Types of aerosol drug
Depending on the volume in which the active substance is present in suspension, three types of medication are distinguished. Their names are as follows: “Flixotide Discus”, “Flixotide Nebula” and “Flixotide Evohaler”.
Pharmacological characteristics of the drug
What is Flixotide? The instruction for use states that its active element belongs to the group of local glucocorticosteroids. When inhaled, the active substance produces pronounced anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, the severity of symptoms decreases markedly, as does the frequency of exacerbations of pathologies that are accompanied by airway obstruction (for example, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and emphysema).
The principle of action of the drug (aerosol)
How does the drug "Flixotide Nebula" and other types of this drug? The main substance inhibits the proliferation of mast cells, macrophages, eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes, and also reduces production and releases inflammatory mediators and other biologically active substances (such as histamine, prostaglandin, leukotriene, cytokine).
In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, there is a high efficiency of the effect of this drug on the work of the respiratory system, as a result of which the symptoms of the disease become less pronounced, the frequency and severity of exacerbations decrease, and the need for additional GCS tablets disappears. As a result, the quality of life of the patient increases.
The systemic effect of this drug is minimal. In this regard, in therapeutic doses, it has virtually no effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system.
The Flixotide medication, the analogues of which will be named below, quickly restores the patient's reaction to bronchodilators, reducing the frequency of their use.
The therapeutic effect after the use of an aerosol inhaler begins within a day and reaches a maximum for two weeks or more. The result is saved several days after the drug is canceled.
Pharmacokinetics of an aerosol agent
After the Flixotide aerosol was used for its intended purpose, the absolute bioavailability of its active substance is 8-11%.
Systemic absorption of the drug occurs mainly in the lungs. By the way, initially absorption is fast and then slows down. During the procedure, part of the inhaled suspension may be swallowed by the patient. However, its systemic effect is minimal due to the poor solubility of the drug in water, as well as intense metabolism during passage through the liver.
The binding to plasma proteins in this drug is moderately high and amounts to about 91%. The active element of the drug is metabolized in the liver with the participation of CYP3A4. As a result of this, inactive metabolites are formed.
The drug "Flixotide", reviews of which are mostly positive, has a fairly high plasma clearance. Its half-life is approximately 8 hours. It is excreted in the form of metabolites with urine.
Indications for use of aerosol
In what cases resort to the help of the drug "Flixotide"? Instructions for use informs that the medicine is prescribed for the treatment of patients who suffer from severe or moderate bronchial asthma. Also, the medication is used to prevent attacks when taking systemic glucocorticosteroids.
In addition, the medication is indicated for patients with chronic lung diseases. Use it to reduce bronchial obstruction, as well as improve ventilation work of the respiratory organs.
Contraindications to the use of an aerosol agent
Under what conditions should the Flixotide inhaler be used? Contraindications are the following factors:
- hypersensitivity of the patient to any component of the medication;
- acute bronchospasm;
- asthmatic status (as a first aid);
- age up to 1 year.
It should also be noted that this medication is undesirable for the relief of attacks of bronchial asthma.
Careful use of the drug
In what situations is Flixotide administered with extreme caution? Reviews of doctors say that this tool should be used strictly under the supervision of specialists for glaucoma, cirrhosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, hypothyroidism, pregnancy, systemic infections (bacterial, fungal, parasitic or viral), as well as during lactation and osteoporosis.
The drug "Flixotide" for inhalation: instructions
Depending on the type of drug, its methods of use and dosage can vary significantly. For example, to achieve the desired effect, the Flixotide Diskus aerosol must be used regularly, even during remission.
The duration of therapy and the optimal dose of medication should be determined only by the doctor, taking into account the patient's condition and the overall clinical picture. For adults, the dosage is 100-1000 mcg 2 times a day. The use of the medication begins with minimal volumes that produce a therapeutic effect. If necessary, the amount of medicine used can be increased. The maximum dose of the drug should not exceed 2000 mcg.
The medicine "Flixotide" for children from 4 years old who suffer from bronchial asthma is prescribed in an amount of 50-100 mcg twice a day. If necessary, this dosage is gradually increased to 400 mcg per day. As for adults with chronic lung diseases, they are usually prescribed 500 micrograms of the drug twice a day.
How to use the drug "Flixotide Evohaler"?
This tool must be used regularly. Before use, the drug is recommended to be sprayed several times to obtain a uniform dose. Also, the vial with the suspension must be shaken vigorously. When spraying an aerosol, the patient needs to take a slow breath. The mouthpiece should be cleaned at least once a week.
How to use Flixotide medication in the recommended volume? Doses of this drug are calculated as follows: a single volume of the drug corresponds to two sprays.
With bronchial asthma, adults are prescribed 100-1000 ÎĽg of the active substance twice a day. The use of the medication should begin with small effective doses, later, if such a need arises, they can be increased. The maximum volume of the drug should be 2000 mcg.
How to use Flixotide aerosol to treat babies? Inhalations for children over four years old with a disease such as bronchial asthma are prescribed in an amount of 50-100 mcg twice a day. If necessary, the dosage can be gradually increased. The maximum amount of drug consumed for children over four years of age is 400 mcg.
For adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, the medication is prescribed 500 mcg twice a day. If 3-6 months after the start of therapy no improvement is observed, the treatment regimen should be changed.
If a child aged 1 to 4 years is diagnosed with asthma, he is prescribed 100 micrograms of the drug twice a day. In this case, it is recommended to carry out inhalation using a pediatric spicer with the interesting name “Bebihaler”.
Aerosol "Flixotide Nebula": instructions for use
This medication can be used for oral (with the use of a mouthpiece) or nasal (with a facial mask) inhalation. Also, the drug is often prescribed as an aerosol for a jet nebulizer. It is highly undesirable to use ultrasonic devices.
If prolonged administration of the drug or the introduction of small doses is necessary, then before inhalation procedures, it is recommended to dilute the drug in a solution of sodium chloride.
For adults and adolescents over 16 years of age, the drug is prescribed in an amount of 0.5-2 mg twice a day. The maximum dosage must be adhered to for a week after an attack of bronchial asthma, and then it is gradually reduced.
If the effect is positive and the condition improves, let’s say the transition from Flixotide Nebula medication, the instruction of which is always included, to other types of this drug.
A child from 4 to 16 years of age is prescribed a drug in an amount of 1 mg twice a day.
Overdose cases
In case of overdose, the patient may experience temporary inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, significant suppression of the adrenal cortex, acute adrenal crisis in children who received a dose of 1000 mcg per day or more.
In addition, depressed consciousness is noted in patients, convulsions and hypoglycemia appear. It should also be noted that acute adrenal crisis usually develops against the background of conditions such as severe injuries, surgery, the presence of infection and a sharp decrease in the dosage of the drug.
Side effects
Can the drug “Flixotide” adversely affect the patient’s health? Side effects are almost all medical devices. And the presented inhalation medication is no exception.
- Immune system: skin reactions due to hypersensitivity, angioedema (oropharynx and face), respiratory system disorders (bronchospasm or shortness of breath), anaphylactic shock.
- Parasitic and infectious diseases: candidiasis of the pharynx and mouth, as well as candidal stomatitis. With such deviations, it is recommended to rinse the throat and mouth with plain water. You can also use local antifungal agents. A very common side effect after applying the aerosol is pneumonia, but only in patients with COPD.
- Metabolism: hyperglycemia.
- Endocrine system: Cushing's syndrome, inhibition of the adrenal cortex, decreased bone mineralization, growth retardation, cataracts, glaucoma.
- Nervous system: anxiety, disturbances in behavior and sleep, irritability and hyperactivity (especially in children).
- Subcutaneous fat: bruising.
- Respiratory system: hoarseness of the voice (it is recommended immediately after the procedure to rinse the throat and mouth with water), paradoxical bronchospasm.
Special instructions when using the medication
It is highly discouraged to abruptly cancel the use of the medication.
Special care must be taken in the treatment of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with an inactive or active form of pulmonary tuberculosis.
After prescribing the medication, the doctor must check whether the patient is able to use the inhaler. During the procedure, he needs to make sure that the drug is brought into action synchronously with the inhalation. Only in this way can the patient ensure optimal delivery of the active element to the lungs.
It is recommended to constantly monitor the growth dynamics of young children who receive inhaled GCS for a long time.
When transferring a patient from taking systemic corticosteroids to inhalation treatment, allergic diseases (for example, eczema or allergic rhinitis) that were previously suppressed by systemic medications may worsen. In such cases, symptomatic therapy with antihistamines or topical drugs is recommended.
As with most inhaled medicines in aerosol containers, the therapeutic effect may decrease when the can is cooled.
To date, there are rare reports that a patient using the agent we are considering has an increase in blood glucose. This should be remembered by doctors when prescribing the drug to patients with diabetes.
The effect of the active substance on a person’s ability to drive a machine and work with mechanisms that require an increased concentration of attention is unlikely.
Analogues of the drug
What medication should I buy if the patient was unable to buy Flixotide? Analogues of this tool have almost the same properties. But before using them, it is recommended to read the attached instructions, as well as consult with a specialist.
Currently, there are the following analogues of the medication presented: Kutiveyt, Nazarel, Flixonase, Fluticasone and Fluticasone Propionate preparations. It should be noted that the price of these drugs may vary compared to the original. By the way, you can buy Flixotide aerosol for 570 (50 mkg, 120 doses), 840 (125 mkg, 60 doses) or 140 (250 mkg, 60 doses) Russian rubles.
Reviews on the inhalation drug
What do doctors and patients say about Flixotide? Reviews about this tool are mostly positive. This is primarily due to the fact that the aerosol medication has a fairly high efficiency. It significantly reduces the incidence of seizures in patients with asthma, and also improves bronchial patency in those who suffer from chronic lung diseases.
As for negative reviews, as a rule, they come from patients who used the medication incorrectly or not as prescribed by the doctor. Therefore, in order to achieve the most positive result before using the drug, as well as its analogues, it is recommended that you study the attached instructions for use in detail. Moreover, it is necessary to visit a doctor, who, in fact, should recommend this tool, based on the results of a medical examination.
How to store an aerosol preparation?
It is recommended to place the inhalation aerosol in a dark place where the air temperature does not exceed 25 degrees. The shelf life of the drug is exactly two years. After this period, it is prohibited to use it.