Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler 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 that 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.
In Treatment of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler helps the airways in your lungs stay open. It relaxes the muscles of these airways. This makes it easier for air to get in and out. It will relieve symptoms such as tightness in your chest, shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing and help you carry out your daily activities more easily. This medicine is safe and effective. It usually starts to work within a few minutes and the effects can last up to several hours. Do not stop using it unless you are advised to by your doctor.
In Treatment of Asthma
Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler can help prevent the onset of an asthma attack if it is taken before exercise or exposure to some “triggers”. These may include house dust, pollen, pets and cigarette smoke. This medicine will allow you to exercise more freely without worrying about getting symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. It allows you to live your life more freely without worrying so much about things that set off your symptoms.
Side effects of Airflow Inhaler
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Airflow
Cough
Upper respiratory tract infection
Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
Sinus inflammation
Stomach discomfort
Fungal infection of oropharynx
Voice change
Headache
Aggressive behavior
Dryness in mouth
How to use Airflow Inhaler
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 Airflow Inhaler works
Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler 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.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
No interaction found/established
Kidney
No interaction found/established
Liver
No interaction found/established
What if you forget to take Airflow Inhaler?
If you miss a dose of Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
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 Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler can lower blood potassium level.
Only miniscule amounts of Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler may get absorbed into the bloodstream after inhalation. Hence, serious side effects are unlikely.
Fact Box
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
RESPIRATORY
Patient concerns
Old cough at morning last 15 years
Dr. Vijay Verma
ENT
can be bronchial asthma or COPD consult chest physician
Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler is an inhalation medication that helps in reducing symptoms associated with obstructive airway diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
How does Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler work?
Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler contains salmeterol, a long-acting beta-2-adrenergic agonist and fluticasone, a corticosteroid. Salmeterol relaxes bronchial smooth muscles causing bronchodilation and fluticasone reduces inflammation.
Is Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler a controller or a reliever medication?
Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler is a controller medication to be used on a regular basis as prescribed by the doctor. It does not help to relive the sudden worsening of respiratory symptoms.
Does Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler contain steroids?
Yes, it contains steroids that are effective in improving breathing difficulty due to COPD and asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids have a lower side effect profile as compared to steroid injections and tablets.
Does Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler increase heart rate?
Some individuals taking Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler may experience an increase in heart rate. If this occurs, one should contact his/her doctor immediately.
What are the side effects of Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler?
The most common side effects of Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler are upper respiratory infection, headache, throat irritation, hoarseness and voice changes, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Is Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler addictive?
Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler is not at all addictive. It is a very effective and useful medicine for people suffering from breathing difficulties due to asthma and COPD.
Will Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler be more effective if taken more frequently?
No, you should not take Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler more frequently than recommended by your doctor. It will increase the risk of side effects rather than providing additional therapeutic benefits. However, if you feel the symptoms are not relieved by the given doses, consult the doctor for reevaluation.
What happens if I miss the dose of Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler?
The missed dose can be taken as soon as possible. If it is time for the next dose, take the scheduled dosing and skip the missed dose.
Is there a particular breathing technique to be followed while using Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler?
Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler is a breath actuated inhaler (BAI), hence it is very easy to use. It overcomes the issue of patient coordination of actuation with inhalation. Refer to its leaflet or speak to your doctor to understand how to use the inhaler.
Can I use Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler if I am diabetic?
Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler may cause an increase in blood sugar levels, hence the blood sugar levels should be cautiously monitored. Consult your doctor for further information.
What precautions should one take while using Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler?
Always use the Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler in the right way. If any worsening of symptoms or side effects occurs, inform your doctor about it. Rinse your mouth with water after using the inhaler every time. Maintain good oral hygiene.
What are the instructions for storage of Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler?
Airflow 250 (CFC Free) Inhaler should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. It should be kept away from the reach of children and pets.
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References
Mayo Clinic. Fluticasone And Salmeterol (Inhalation Route). [Accessed 18 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
MedlinePlus. Fluticasone and Salmeterol Oral Inhalation. [Accessed 18 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
The list of available options shown with the same composition has been prepared upon the advice of registered medical practitioners, pharmacists affiliated with TATA 1MG. TATA 1MG does not promote any pharmaceutical product of any particular company, and all recommendations are based on the medical opinion, advisories from specialist medical and pharmaceutical professionals.