From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
The brand name for fluticasone propionate/salmeterol 55/14mcg is AirDuo RespiClick, a combination inhaler used to treat asthma. This medication combines fluticasone propionate, an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation, with salmeterol, a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) that relaxes airway muscles. The 55/14mcg strength refers to the dose delivered per actuation (puff) from the inhaler.
Key Points
- AirDuo RespiClick is typically prescribed as 2 inhalations twice daily, morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart.
- It's essential to rinse your mouth with water after each use to prevent oral thrush, a fungal infection.
- This medication is not for acute symptom relief and should be used regularly as prescribed, even when symptoms improve.
- Patients should always carry a rescue inhaler (like albuterol) for sudden symptoms.
- The combination of these two medications provides better asthma control than either medication alone by addressing both inflammation and bronchoconstriction, as shown in a study published in 2018 1.
Additional Information
- The safety and efficacy of AirDuo RespiClick have been demonstrated in clinical trials, with significant improvements in lung function and asthma symptoms compared to fluticasone propionate monotherapy or placebo 1.
- AirDuo RespiClick is also more cost-effective than monotherapy with fluticasone propionate or budesonide, as reported in a study published in 2000 2.
- The most frequent adverse events associated with AirDuo RespiClick are headache, throat irritation, hoarseness, and candidiasis, but the combination is generally well-tolerated and has a similar safety profile to fluticasone propionate monotherapy 3.