Advair Dosage
Each patient is given a unique dosage of Advair (Fluticasone, Salmeterol) depending on a number of factors that include: the drug formulation used (Advair Diskus or Advair HFA inhaler), patient’s age, severity of condition, and other medication currently taken, especially asthma drugs.
Below is the usual Advair dosage, however it is possible for you to get a totally different dosing schedule. As with any other medication, do not adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider.
Advair Diskus Dosage
Usually, Advair Diskus is administered twice daily, every day through oral inhalation route. After each dose, the patient should gargle or rinse the mouth with water. Do not swallow the water.
The recommended daily intake should not exceed more than 1 inhalation twice a day of the prescribed drug strength. More frequent inhalations or higher daily dose may increase the risk of adverse effects due to salmeterol. In general, patients using Advair Diskus should not use other long-acting bronchodilators (beta2-agonists) for any purpose.
Dosage Forms
Advair diskus is available in an inhalation powder in three dosage forms. All three contain 50 mcg of salmeterol. Advair Diskus 100/50 contains 100 mcg fluticasone and 50 mcg salmeterol; Advair Diskus 250/50 contains 250 mcg fluticasone and 50 mcg salmeterol; and Advair Diskus 500/50 contains 500 mcg fluticasone and 50 mcg salmeterol.
Advair HFA is used like an inhaler and comes in a single dosing option with 115 mcg fluticasone and 21 mcg salmeterol.
Treatment of Asthma
In case of asthma attacks occurring between doses, a short-acting bronchodilator should be used for immediate relief of symptoms. Advair Diskus is not intended as an emergency treatment of acute asthma and COPD symptoms.
Adults and Adolescents
For adults and adolescents aged 12 years and above, the usual dose is 1 inhalation two times a day, in the morning and evening, at least 12 hours between each dose. The recommended initial dose of Advair Diskus depends on the severity of asthma symptoms.
The maximum daily dose is Advair Diskus 500/50 two times a day.
The onset of action of Advair Diskus occurs about 30 minutes after the initial dose. However, its maximum benefit may not be achieved until after the first week of treatment or longer. Each patient may respond differently to this medication. The onset of action and degree of symptom relief in every patient may vary.
Depending on the patient’s response to treatment after the first 2 weeks of therapy, the starting dosage may be adjusted accordingly until asthma symptoms are well controlled.
If the daily maintenance dose of Advair Diskus seems to be less effective or if you feel you need to take the medication more frequently, consult your healthcare provider for possible adjustments in the treatment. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your condition and recommend increasing your dose further, adding new medications, or changing your medications with other treatment options.
Children (Aged 4 to 11 years)
For children between ages 4 to 11 years, the recommended dose is 1 inhalation of Advair Diskus 100/50 two times a day, in the morning and evening, at least 12 hours between each dose.
Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
For patients with COPD, the recommended dose is 1 inhalation of Advair Diskus 250/50 two times a day, in the morning and evening, at least 12 hours between each dose.
In case of shortness of breath occurring between doses, a short-acting bronchodilator should be used for immediate relief of symptoms. Advair Diskus is not intended as an emergency treatment of acute asthma and COPD symptoms.
Advair HFA Inhaler Dosage
When used for treatment of asthma, the dose for Advair HFA inhaler depends on the current or past dose of other asthma medications. The recommended dose may vary from two inhalations of Advair HFA twice a day to two inhalations of Advair HFA 230/21 twice a day.
Advair HFA Inhaler is a relatively old formulation of Advair and is only approved for treatment of asthma.
Although Advair HFA or Advair Diskus is tolerated by most people, it is not appropriate for everyone. Before taking this medication, be sure to consult your healthcare provider.
