Advair Description

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2000, Advair is a steroid inhaler produced by GlaxoSmithKline and used as a supplement for other fast-acting inhalers. It is a combination of the generic drugs fluticasone and salmerterol.

Uses

• Advair is used to prevent wheezing, shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Administration

• Advair is taken by deeply inhaling the powder through the mouth, using an inhaling device. It is typically taken twice a day.

Side Effects

• Common side effects of Advair include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose, sneezing, throat irritation, headache, sinus pain, weakness, sweating and stomach pain.

Overdose Symptoms

• In case of overdose, call 911. Overdose symptoms include dizziness; muscle cramps or weakness; a fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat; chest pain; and seizures.

Other Warnings

• You should discuss several things with your doctor before taking Advair. These include other medications you take, plans for pregnancy and whether you include grapefruit in your diet.