Maxiflo Forte Rotacaps (Fluticasone + Formoterol)

MAXIFLO inhaler is a combination of Fluticasone propionate, a synthetic corticost***d and formoterol; a selective long acting beta2-agonist. Fluticasone propionate is a synthetic, trifluorinated glucocorticoid with potent anti-inflammatory activity. Formoterol is a very potent long-acting adrenoceptor beta2-agonist with a high intrinsic activity and a rapid onset of action.

Uses

Formoterol is used for treatment of wheezing, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) It is also used to treat bronchospasm (constriction of air passages) in people with night time asthma. Fluticasone is used to control symptoms of asthma, allergies of nose, throat or chest that cause symptoms of stuffy, runny or itchy nose, sneezing and watery, itchy or red eyes, skin problems like itchy rash (eczema), redness and itchiness (psoriasis), inflammation (dermatitis), prickly heat or insect bites in adults or dermatitis in children.

How it works

Formoterol belongs to a class of medication called long acting beta agonists. It helps in relaxing the muscles of the air passages, thus widening it and making it easier to breathe. Fluticasone belongs to a class of drugs called glucocorticoids/st***ds. It prevents the release of the substances in the body that cause inflammation and allergies.

Common side effects

Fainting, Stuffy or runny nose and sore throat, Hoarseness, Difficulty in breathing or swallowing, Nausea, Extreme tiredness, Swelling of any body part, Heartburn, Vomiting, Itching, Coughing or tightness in chest immediately after formoterol inhalation, Stomach pain, Difficulty in falling or staying asleep, Diarrhea, Back pain, Dizziness, Nervousness, Chest pain, Rash, Uncontrollable shaking of a body part, Lightheadedness, Muscle cramps, Dry mouth, Headache, Seizures.

Cough, Tightness in the chest, Sore throat, Mild fever, Bleeding of the nose, Nausea, Vomiting, Upset stomach, Sinus pain., White patches or sores on the lips or inside the mouth, Especially, If used for more than 6 weeks, Sneezing, Hoarseness in voice, Stuffy nose, Headache

Expert advice

• Do not use formoterol inhalation to treat an asthma attack that has already begun.
• Do not use this drug, if you are allergic to formoterol.
• Never place a capsule in the mouthpiece of the inhaler.
• Consult your doctor before taking formoterol, If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast feeding.
• It should be taken as an inhaler or nebulizer after clearly following instructions of the doctor and the instructions given in the patient information leaflet in the medication box.

Frequently asked questions

Q.Is formoterol a st***d?

Formoterol belongs to a class of medication called long acting beta agonists. It is not a st***d; however it is available in combination with st***ds as an inhaler.

Q.How does formoterol work? How long does it take to work and how long does it stay in the body?

Formoterol belongs to a class of medication called long acting beta agonists. It helps in relaxing the muscles of the air passages, thus widening it and making it easier to breathe. Formoterol works best if taken before exercising or heavy work and another dose should not be taken in the next 12 hours. It is a long acting drug which is known to be effective for 12 hours in the body.

Q.What form does formoterol come in? What is formoterol fumarate/formoterol fumarate dihydrate/formoterol and budesonide/formoterol and advair?

Formoterol comes as a powder filled capsule for inhaler and a solution for nebulizer use. Formoterol fumarate and formoterol fumerate dihydrate are different formulations of formoterol. Budesonide is a st***d which may be prescribed by the doctor along with formoterol. Advair is another long acting beta agonist which is the brand name for salmeterol and fluticasone.

Q. Is formoterol safe?

Formoterol is safe when taken as per the directions of the doctor.

Q. is formoterol banned?

Formoterol is not banned.

Q. Does formoterol cause weight gain?

There are no studies showing that formoterol causes weight gain.

Q. Does formoterol cause death/asthma-related death?

Formoterol may increase risk of asthma-related death. It depends on the condition and co-morbidities and is individual response.

Q. Should formoterol be taken by pregnant women?

Formoterol should be taken by pregnant women only under the strict instructions and guidance of a doctor.

Q. Is fluticasone safe in pregnancy?

Fluticasone may cause harm to the fetus. Hence, it is not advisable to take Fluticasone in pregnancy without consulting your doctor.

Q. Is fluticasone an antibiotic/st***d/anti-histaminic/anti-cholinergic drug? Does it contain sulfa?

Fluticasone is a st***d but not an antibiotic/anti-histaminic/anti-cholinerhic/decongestant drug. It is used to treat nasal congestion (decongestant) and other symptoms caused by allergies or conditions like asthma. It does not contain sulfa.

Q. Is fluticasone available over the counter?

No. Fluticasone is a prescription drug. It is not available over the counter.

Q. Is Fluticasone the same as Nasonex/Flonase? Does it contain acetaminophen?

Fluticasone is also available in the branded form as Flonase nasal spray. However, Nasonex consists of another drug called Mometasone also used for treating nasal allergies. Acetaaminofen is a different medication.

Q. Is Fluticasone safe? Is it used in infants?

Yes. Fluticasone is relatively safe if used as recommended. In case of any side-effects, consult your doctor. It is used for skin allergies in children or infants. Please consult your doctor before use.

Q. What is used for? Is fluticasone used for cold?

Fluticasone (in the form of inhaler) is used to treat symptoms of asthma and nasal inflammation such as coughing, wheezing, blocked nose, runny nose. It is also used as topical cream to treat various skin allergies and infections. It is not used for common cold.

Q. Can I take fluticasone with Benadryl/Sudafed/Zyrtec/ Afrin/Allegra/Mucinex?

Yes. Fluticasone may be taken with Benadryl (diphenhydramine)/Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)/Zyrtec (cetrizine)/ Afrin (oxymetazoline)/Allegra (fexofenadine)/Mucinex (guaifenesin) if prescribed by your doctor.

Q. Does fluticasone propionate cause weight gain/drowsiness/ wakefulness?

Fluticasone may cause weight gain since it is a st***d drug. It may cause drowsiness or wakefulness. If you experience any such symptoms, please consult your doctor.

Q. Is fluticasone addictive?

No. Fluticasone is not an addictive or a controlled/banned substance.

Q. Dose fluticasone cause nose bleeds?

Yes. The most common and expected side-effect of fluticasone nasal spray/inhaler is nose bleeding. If your bleeding is more or does not stop, please consult your doctor.

Q. Can I take fluticasone if I have high blood pressure?

It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking fluticasone if you have high blood pressure.