Seroflo

Product description

Seroflo belongs to the family of synthetic glucocorticoids predominantly prescribed to prevent the development of COPD and asthma. This medication is also advantageous in that it reduces inflammation in the patient’s airways.

Its active substances are fluticasone and salmeterol.

Fluticasone contains a fluorocarbothioate ester linkage at the 17th carbon atom. It is a potent anti-inflammation agent and good vasoconstrictor.

Salmeterol is an unmediated stimulator of sympathetic nerves that brings relaxation to smooth muscles in the bronchi by selectively influencing β2 receptors.

Seroflo is effective in treatments of breathlessness, tight feelings in the chest and cough caused by lung diseases and COPD, incorporating chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Dosage schedule and specifics

Seroflo is sold in the form of an aerosol that needs to be inhaled through the mouth.

Adult doses in cases of asthma/COPD vary in accordance to the symptomatic severity of the illness. Physicians usually prescribe 1 inhalation two times a day throughout the therapy. The maximum recommended dose does not exceed 500/50 (Fluticasone/Salmeterol) two times a day.

Safety Information

Avoid using Seroflo in hypersensitive patients.

Exercise caution when administering the drug to hypertensive, diabetic, epileptic, allergic patients and those with a history of irregular heartbeat or excessively active thyroid. Also, special care is required in case of pediatric and elderly populations. Do not use when pregnant or nursing.

Seroflo is a drug of category D and therefore the possible risks of its use in pregnancy are supported by investigational experience or research evidence. However, Seroflo is occasionally administered in gravid women when potential benefits outweigh the probable risks.

The lactation safety status of Seroflo is L4, which means it can possibly pass in breast milk. The therapy with Seroflo in nursing mothers may still remain a viable option in the event of a mortally dangerous situation – the risk to a nursling may be accepted until improvement of the woman patient’s condition.

The potassium level in the serum, as well as blood pressure and blood glucose, need to be constantly checked during the treatment.

Other conditions that constitute contraindications for Seroflo include cataract, eye infections, abnormal ocular pressure, diarrhea, tuberculosis, problems with liver or kidney.

Take special care when switching to inhaler from oral steroids as this may entail a loss of electrolytes in the blood.

Drug interactions

Careful use with CYP4503A4 inhibitors is required due to the hazard of elevation of the plasmatic concentrations of fluticasone.

Hypokalemia may be further enhanced by the concomitant use of corticosteroids, diuretics, and xanthines. There is a risk of rapid blood pressure jumps when combined with MAOIs, TCAs, and other adrenergics.

Side effects

Most frequent side effects include pain in the head, bloody nose, throat inflammations, itching/burning feeling in the nose, nausea, vomiting, and cough. The rest of the common adverse responses comprise itchy skin condition, lingual edema, and rashes.

Rarer effects include dryness in the eyes or nose, distorted vision, throat irritation, and an increase in the eye pressure.

Seek medical attention immediately if you start experiencing muscle cramps, heart palpitations or quickened heart rate. Also, do not postpone your visit to a hospital if the use of Seroflo makes you sleepless or nervous.