Brand Names for Salmeterol/Fluticasone Combination
The brand name for the combination medication containing salmeterol and fluticasone is Advair Diskus (or Wixela Inhub for the generic version).
Salmeterol/Fluticasone Combination Details
Salmeterol/fluticasone is a fixed-dose combination medication that contains:
- Salmeterol: A long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) bronchodilator
- Fluticasone propionate: An inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
This combination is available in several formulations:
- Advair Diskus (original brand name) - dry powder inhaler
- Wixela Inhub (generic version) - dry powder inhaler
- Advair HFA (metered-dose inhaler version)
- Seretide (brand name used in some countries outside the US)
Available Strengths
The combination is available in three strengths, with the same amount of salmeterol but varying amounts of fluticasone 1:
- 100/50 mcg (100 mcg fluticasone propionate/50 mcg salmeterol)
- 250/50 mcg (250 mcg fluticasone propionate/50 mcg salmeterol)
- 500/50 mcg (500 mcg fluticasone propionate/50 mcg salmeterol)
Clinical Applications
This combination medication is primarily used for:
- Maintenance treatment of asthma in patients not adequately controlled on other medications 2
- Maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD 3
Pharmacological Properties
The combination offers complementary effects:
- Salmeterol: Provides bronchodilation through beta2-receptor stimulation
- Fluticasone: Provides anti-inflammatory effects through glucocorticoid receptor binding
Studies have confirmed that Wixela Inhub is bioequivalent to Advair Diskus at all three dose strengths for both fluticasone propionate and salmeterol, providing equivalent systemic safety and pulmonary deposition 4.
Important Clinical Considerations
- Multiple ICS/LABA combinations should never be used simultaneously due to therapeutic duplication and increased risk without additional benefit 5
- The combination has shown benefits in reducing exacerbations in patients with COPD compared to monotherapy 3
- In patients with asthma, the combination improves lung function and symptoms more effectively than monotherapy with either component 2, 6