Discussions on Seretide

Seretide(advair) is a medicinal inhaler for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. The medication is composed of two active components, namely fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. Fluticasone propionate is used to reduce the inflammation of the airways and the drug is used to relieve constriction of the muscles around them. As this medication is only available by prescription, you should consult with a health care provider before using this product.

In conditions such as asthma and COPD, there is a constriction or narrowing of the airway and inflammation of the bronchial tubes. The combination of the two drugs in seretide work by treating both the inflammation and constriction. Salmeterol, which is a steroid, reduces inflammation. Fluticasone is a long acting bronchodilator, which means it helps dilate the airway, allowing more air to get in, and make breathing easier.

Active Ingredients of Seretide
The manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, markets the combination of flucticasone and it under the trade name of Advair in the U.S. and Canada and under the trade name of Seretide in the European Union. According to the manufacturer's website, the Seretide inhaler contains either 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate and 25 mcg of the drug per dose or 125 mcg of fluticasone propionate and 25 of it. Whereas the Seretide Accuhaler is available in two concentrations of fluticasone propionate and it in either 100 and 50 mcg per dose or 250 and 50 mcg per dose, respectively.

Effects of Salmeterol in Seretide on Airways
The drug is a compound known as a beta 2-agonist, which is a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles surrounding the airways that constrict during an asthma attack or in COPD. This compound is known as an "agonist" because it stimulates the beta-2 receptors of muscle cells to release the airways. Opening the airways will alleviate the symptoms of dyspnea, or difficulty in breathing. Beta-2 agonists affect the airways shortly after they are inhaled and will alleviate symptoms for approximately four hours, thereby necessitating several doses every day.

The inhalant medication contains fluticasone propionate and salmeterol. Fluticasone propionate reduces inflammation by inhibiting certain white blood cells and the chemicals they produce. Salmeterol relaxes the smooth muscle tissue in the lungs and produces bronchial dilation. This response may occur in smooth muscle anywhere in the body, but the medication generally targets the pulmonary system.

Side Effects
Common Advair side effects include headache and dizziness along with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Certain individuals experience drying of the nasal and oral cavities when using Advair. Cough, accompanied by nasal congestion and sinus discomfort may also occur along with a hoarse or deepened voice. The immune properties of the corticosteroid generally compromise the body’s natural defenses and many persons suffer yeast infections as evidenced by white patches, inflamed oral cavities or open sores, necessitating oral rinsing after every use.